DAVID James has warned Portsmouth to beware ‘the wounded beast’ after tipping old pal Paul Ince’s winners mentality to pay dividends at Ewood.

The Pompey and England number one spent three seasons at Liverpool with the Rovers’ boss at the end of 1990’s and has revealed Ince was ‘one of the worst losers’ he has ever known.

Rovers travel to the South Coast tomorrow on the back of an eight-match winless run but, having experienced the wrath of the former England midfielder at first hand, he predicts an explosive response from the Ewood Park outfit.

James said: “He was a bit of a joker off the field but when he put his shirt on there was only one thing on his mind - winning - and I’m sure that’s the mentality he’s trying to install at Blackburn.

“He was a winner, without any doubt, he absolutely couldn’t stand losing, which to be fair is always a decent trait.

“Not many are like Incey and I’m sure it’s the ethos he is trying to install at Blackburn now. He would hate losing just as much as a manager as a player.

“I can only imagine Blackburn as a club and the group of players now know exactly what he is about. Whatever, I’m sure he’ll be desperate to get himself on a decent winning run soon - and after he’s played us I’m sure he can look forward to something along those lines”.

While James himself will be in no mood to do his former team mate any favours at Fratton Park tomorrow, the goalkeeper knows a downtrodden Ince is a dangerous man to know.

He admits the subject of potential management was never broached during their playing days but is not surprised Ince’ winning mentality has seen him land a top flight job.

“I’ve some fond memories of Incey, we actually lived in the same village up north when we were at Liverpool together,” said James.

“Some players don’t seem to mind losing, it has to be said. There are not many, but there are some. Certainly not every player has the passion that Paul has, especially.

“After losing games he was not the sort of person you want to be laughing and joking with.

“I can’t say what he did, that stays inside the changing room, but his passion for performing, for winning, was immense. I wouldn’t say his reaction was emotional but it was vocal.

“I’ve seen a few of those like that over the years, fortunately the teams I’ve been in have had a number of characters like that. “ He added: “It’s nearly 10 years ago since we were at Liverpool together. At that time he was still enjoying his playing days so never really spoke about management.

“I’m not going to patronise him and start talking about how he is taking things in his stride, that implies he doesn’t really care.”