David James signs for AFC Bournemouth until end of season

Former England goalkeeper David James has signed for Bournemouth until the end of the season.

James, 42, had previous spells at Liverpool, Aston Villa, West Ham, Manchester City and Portsmouth while winning 53 caps for England.

He was a free agent after leaving Bristol City in the summer and could make his debut for the Cherries on Saturday against Walsall.

Bournemouth have conceded 15 goals in eight league games this season.

Current number one Shwan Jalal has kept just one clean sheet in those games.

James had been training with Exeter, although that was to maintain fitness rather than with a view to a possible permanent move.

He won the last of his England caps in the 4-1 loss to Germany in the 2010 World Cup and knows Bournemouth manager Paul Groves and the club's new advisor Harry Redknapp from his time at Pompey.

James also won the FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008.

Speaking on Thursday, Groves said James would be a fantastic addition to Bournemouth's squad.

"David brings professionalism, experience, competition and he is a fantastic person to have around the club," he told BBC Radio Solent after watching James in training.

"We want competition for places here. David has been training down in Exeter so he is in good condition as you would expect. He's had a bit of a break which has helped him and he looks the part.

"I've worked with him before and knew what he could bring to the party and that was a big ingredient of bringing him in.

"David is his own man and he will not just join a club for the sake of joining them. He wants things to be done properly and things will have to be correct for David otherwise he won't sign.

"It works for both parties."