he signed for portsmouth for an undisclosed fee on 25 january 2006, and played a large part in their escape from relegation that same season. his pompey debut was in the fa cup against liverpool at fratton park in a 2–1 defeat. after david james signed for portsmouth on 11 august, he voiced his frustration at having to compete with a top goalkeeper for the no. 1 spot, and with jamie ashdown also on their books, he opted to leave portsmouth in the autumn.