James: Timing was right for operation

Portsmouth’s England goalkeeper David James insists the timing was right to undergo surgery on his shoulder problem.

The club’s Barclays Premier League future is now secure for another season and even though James will miss two World Cup qualifiers for England next month, he believes it was the perfect opportunity to finally sort out the injury.

Understudy Asmir Begovic made his Blues debut in the 3-1 win over Sunderland with James expected to be out of action for the next three months.

The 38-year-old will miss England’s 2010 World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Andorra but he is expected to be back for the start of the new season on August 15.

“It’s something I’ve had for about 18 months, but I’ve been able to play with it,” explained James.

“I’ll miss a couple of World Cup matches, but it’s a good time to have the operation. I always trust that England can do well – even without me!”

Begovic is in line to retain his place for the final match of the season at Wigan on Sunday.

In the meantime, right-back Glen Johnson has been named the players’ player of the year along with a similar accolade from the fans.

Johnson also picked up the ’goal of the season’ crown too following his wonder strike against Hull at Fratton Park.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Matt Ritchie’s efforts on loan at Dagenham & Redbridge did not go unnoticed as he was presented with the young player of the year prize.

During his season-long loan with the League Two outfit, Ritchie scored 12 goals in 41 appearances.