Defensive duo hope to play for Pompey

Portsmouth’s veteran centre-backs Sol Campbell (Achilles) and Linvoy Primus (knee) are confident of passing late fitness checks to face Liverpool in the Barclays Premiership at Fratton Park tomorrow.

Striker Svetoslav Todorov is still out with knee trouble but midfielder Sean Davis is available again after missing last week’s goalless draw at Aston Villa with a virus.

Skipper Dejan Stefanovic is expected to keep out recent signing Djimi Traore, the former Liverpool player, at left back while manager Harry Redknapp has to decide whether to recall on-loan Glen Johnson – only a substitute at Villa after four games out with a knee injury – following solid performances by Lauren at right-back.

Provisional squad: James; Lauren, Primus, Campbell, Stefanovic, O’Neil, Davis, Hughes, Taylor, Benjani, Kanu, Johnson, LuaLua, Traore, Pamarot, Kranjcar, Mvuemba, Ashdown.