MARK Hughes has billed tomorrow's clash between Portsmouth and Blackburn at Fratton Park as a showdown between the best two goalkeepers in the Premier League.

Thirtysomethings David James and Brad Friedel, who were once rivals for the number one shirt at Liverpool, are two of the finest in the business according to Hughes, who admits he has great admiration for their unstinting dedication and professionalism.

Pompey stopper James, who moved to the South Coast two years ago in a cut-price £1.2 million deal from Manchester City, has proved to be one of Harry Redknapp's shrewdest signings and, at the age of 38, he recently broke Frank Lampard's record for consecutive appearances in the Premier League, which stood at 164, when he kept a clean sheet against Newcastle.

However, not far behind him is Rovers' 36-year-old custodian Friedel, who will clock up his 150th consecutive Premier League appearance when he steps out tomorrow.

Those are remarkable feats of endurance for two players supposedly in the twilight of their careers, and Hughes sees no reason why both men can't keep playing on until they are 40, because he believes both are still at the top of their games.

"On current form, I think they are the best two keepers in the Premier League," said the Rovers chief.

"Everyone knows my feelings about Brad - I wouldn't swap him for any other goalkeeper in the league because I think he's outstanding.

"And as for David James, he's had an exceptional season and forced himself back into the England scene as well. By all accounts, David works exceptionally hard on his own physical fitness, and it's no coincidence that these guys can get to the latter stages of their 30s and still perform at the same level as they did in their 20s, because they prepare correctly and our good professionals.

"In fairness, it's not rocket science; if you look after yourself then you can make sure you've got longevity in your career, and that helps you financially as well."

Friedel, who has racked up 183 consecutive appearances for Rovers in all competitions, dating back to September 27 2004, recently revealed he turned to yoga three years ago in an effort to prolong his career.

And Hughes insists it's that willingness on the American's part to do whatever it takes to get the best from his body which is ultimately the secret to his success.

Hughes added: "Brad is open to all those kinds of things.

"We do other things with him as well, like hand-eye co-ordination, and exercises everyday that work with the cerebellum (the part of the brain that coordinates and regulates muscular activity).

"So he's embraced all that, and I'd like to think that helps him."