David James could play beyond his 40th birthday after signing an extension to his contract until 2010. The Portsmouth goalkeeper, who turns 38 in August, has been rewarded for an outstanding season during which he has regained his place in goal for England.

James, who will be 40 on August 1, 2010 – the same age as Dino Zoff, the Italy goalkeeper, when he captained his country to victory in the 1982 World Cup – signed a one-year extension to his deal, which was scheduled to expire at the end of next season. His new contract includes the option of a further extension.

The outstanding form of James has been one of the cornerstones of Portsmouth’s advance to the FA Cup semi-finals, which was achieved after a magnificent 1-0 victory away to Man-chester United on Saturday – when James made an outstanding save to push a shot from Patrice Evra on to a post – and the club’s place in the top half of the Barclays Premier League. He also saved a penalty in the 1-0 fifth-round victory away to Preston North End.

His displays also prompted a recall to the England squad. He was not part of Steve McClaren’s thinking for most of his spell in charge of the national team but collected his 36th cap when he was selected for Fabio Capello’s first match as England manager, against Switzerland last month.

The deal emphasises the extent to which the goalkeeper has rebuilt his career after being nicknamed “calamity James” because of some high-profile errors in matches for club and country.

“It’s been a tremendous week and I’m delighted to get the opportunity to sign a new contract,” James said. “I’m enjoying being at Pompey – it’s a fantastic environment. I never envisaged the club being in this position when I joined. I’m very happy to have made this extra commitment. It has been a fantastic club for me.”

James began his career with Wat-ford, moving on to Liverpool, Aston Villa, West Ham United and Manches-ter City before joining Portsmouth for £1.2 million in August 2006.

Harry Redknapp, the Portsmouth manager, has said that James remains as agile as when he began his career. “He’s so fit and so good, he will play on well into his forties,” Redknapp said. “For me, he’s been the top keeper in the country for some time and shows no sign of giving up.

“The way he trains, you would think he is a teenager and there is not an ounce of surplus on his fantastic physique. He’s one of the best signings we’ve made at this club and I’m delighted to have him.”

Redknapp predicted this season that James would emulate Zoff. “He [James] might be 37, but Capello would remember Dino Zoff winning the World Cup at 40,” Redknapp said. “Jamo will play on until he’s 40-odd. He’s got older and more experienced and he’s an absolutely fantastic keeper.

“He’s a top man and he’s been absolutely brilliant for me. He’s the best goalkeeper in the country and he would definitely be my England No 1.”

Save the best till last

Peter Shilton (played his last game at 47): When the former England No 1 and double European Cup winner with Nottingham Forest hung up his gloves, it was not because his shot-stopping was at fault but because his goal kicks were not travelling far enough.

John Burridge (44): “Budgie” was almost as famous for his extravagant prematch warm-ups as for his performances between the posts.

Dave Beasant (43): Best known for the first FA Cup Final penalty save, from John Aldridge, for Wimbledon in the 1-0 win over Liverpool in 1988. “Lurch” played on with a host of other clubs.

Steve Ogrizovic (42): “Big Oggy” was unable to displace Ray Clemence at Liverpool but won the FA Cup in 1987 with Coventry City. Also scored a goal against Sheffield Wednesday.

Dino Zoff( 41): The Italy goalkeeper became the oldest World Cup winner in history. As coach, took Italy to the final of Euro 2000.