SUNDAY'S lunchtime clash between Rovers and Portsmouth will see two of the top-flight's most highly-regarded goalkeepers go head-to-head.

Stalwarts Brad Friedel and David James have been in fine form for their respective clubs all season, playing every minute of every game.

Big Brad will be making his 150th consecutive Premier League appearance in the Fratton Park fixture, whilst his opposite number has played an extra 17 successive games.

Rovers' number one put in a man-of-the-match performance against Manchester United last weekend and roaming right-back Brett Emerton admits it's great to have such a reliable pair of hands between him.

"I rate both keepers up there as two of the best in the league," said the Aussie ace. "They will be a huge part of the game on Sunday and they could determine which team comes out on top.

"It is great to have Brad behind me. He is one of, if not the, best keepers in the league at the moment and I think he has been for many years now.

"It gives the back four and the entire team huge confidence to have such a great goalkeeper."