Paul Hart believes David James has shown a lot of loyalty to Portsmouth and insists the keeper remains England number one.

Pompey have this week seen another twist to what has so far been a rollercoaster campaign when Ali Al Faraj took control of the beleaguered Barclays Premier League club from Sulaiman Al Fahim and former Chelsea boss Avram Grant returned to Fratton Park as director of football once again.

Hart has, though, been given assurances his position is not under threat, having guided Pompey safely clear of a relegation battle last season and then finally recording a first league win at the eighth attempt before the international break.

Veteran keeper James, 39, admitted the uncertainty off the pitch - with the likes of Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and Glen Johnson all sold to help ease the debt burden - had meant he considered his own future.

However, for Hart, the fact James remained at Fratton Park speaks volumes.

James returned to the England squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Belarus after missing the last five internationals because of an operation on his shoulder, which allowed West Ham's Robert Green a run in the side.

Hart, though, maintains there can be only one choice between the posts for Fabio Capello when his squad head to South Africa.

"David stayed when others have gone. We understand why some have gone and we are desperately sorry that others have gone, but he is still here," Hart said in the Portsmouth News.

"His presence is crucial.

"He is the best goalkeeper in England and I think you can see that.

"You can see how he gives us a calmness and provides a backbone to the team.

"Our defending was excellent against Wolves and Jamo was a big part of that.

"He is England's number one."

Hart, 56, continues to take everything in his stride, the former Nottingham Forest boss having been originally asked to step up into a caretaker's role following Tony Adams' dismissal in February.

"I am a bit of a sponge," said Hart, appointed as Portsmouth director of youth operations in March 2007.

"I have learned from previous managerial roles and I have been able to deal with things better as a result.

"If I was to take umbrage or ask questions about what was going on and feel I was badly treated, I don't think I would have been able to manage this job."

Portsmouth admit they are no closer to completing the signing of Zimbabwe international Onismor Bhasera as a contract dispute with his former club, Kaizer Chiefs, rumbles on.

The left-back, 23, continues to train with Portsmouth, after the club successfully obtained a work permit and agreed a three-year deal.

"As far as he is concerned the contract has run out - but there is an optional year in the contract," said Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie.

"However, there were no figures along with that, therefore under regulations, that would not be classified.

"It is a legal argument and we are on the outside of it.

"It is between him, his representatives and Kaizer Chiefs and will probably involve the South African FA before eventually having to go to player disputes.

"It is not about money or anything to do with us, it is purely technical and how someone can read that contract.

"If that type of contract was registered in the Premier League it would definitely be null and void and Onismor would be a free transfer.

"The arguments will continue on and on and on."