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Primus: Out injured

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Portsmouth defender Linvoy Primus has confirmed he will be absent for the club's season opener against Derby this weekend.

Primus underwent knee surgery over the summer and is recovering well, but the clash with Billy Davies' side has come too soon.

The loss of the former Reading defender is likely to mean Sol Campbell pairing up with Sylvain Distain at the heart of Harry Redknapp's defence.

"I'm getting there. I'm not going to be ready for Saturday," Primus confirmed to Sky Sports News.

"I'm progressing. I'm a lot further on than I was last week, which is good."

Primus is looking forward to pre-season concluding and says a top-ten finish will be a good achievement for the South Coast side.

"Pre-season is never the best of times, it's a bit drawn out, but once the season starts we're ready to go," he continued.

"The main aim for the club is another top-ten finish. That will be recognised as a good season.

"You can't rest on what you've done last season. That's what the manager's done by signing the players he's signed."

Campbell and James backed

Meanwhile, Primus fully believes Sol Campbell and David James will be ready to answer Steve McClaren's England call if needed.

With the likes of John Terry out of action for a month with a knee injury, it has been suggested Campbell could be back in the fold.

"Last season (Campbell) was as good as I've ever seen him. He's just as strong and just as fit.

"I'm sure if he is called up he'll be ready to get in there.

"In my eyes he was the best keeper in England last season.

"For him to be not recognised last season may have been a big blow for him.

"He works hard and trains hard and he's ready for the call-up if needed."