Redknapp Wary of Yak

Portsmouth boss wary of threat posed by his former player.

Harry Redknapp has identified the threat of one of his former players ahead of Portsmouth's visit to Everton.

It was the Pompey boss who first brought Yakubu - the man whose goals propelled the Toffees to fifth in the Premier League last season - to England back in 2003.

The Nigerian repaid his faith with 42 goals in two and half seasons before a £7.5million move to Middlesbrough.

Furthermore it was Yakubu who notched twice in Everton's 3-1 win over Portsmouth at Goodison in March - a result which put clear daylight between the two sides in the race for a Uefa Cup place.

“It will be a tough test," said Redknapp. "Everton are a strong side. Yakubu’s a great goalscorer. I know all about him because I signed him for us originally.” 

A tough start to the Premier League campaign - Portsmouth have met Manchester United and Chelsea - has left the FA Cup holders bottom of the pile with no points to their name.

It's not a situation that concerns Redknapp, though he has warned fans it would be foolish to predict an immediate upturn in fortunes.

“How many teams will beat Manchester United and Chelsea this year?” said Redknapp. “I don’t think they’ll lose more than three games each.

“Without being a silly optimist, how many points would you expect us to get from these opening three games?

“We took one point from them last season. And that point was against Manchester United when we got absolutely battered in the second half. We played better against them this season and lost 1-0.

“It would be nice to get a point or three points up at Everton. But if you’ve got any brains, how many points did people expect us to get from our first three games. Nine? I don’t think so, unless you’re an idiot.

“Look at Tottenham, there’s every chance they’ll have no points after three games – they play at Chelsea on Sunday – but no-one will say they’ll get relegated.”

Like counterpart David Moyes, Redknapp has injury concerns going into the game.

Striker Jermain Defoe is a doubt after contracting a virus, while Kanu (thigh), David Nugent (groin) and Niko Kranjcar (ankle) will all be missing.

New signing Jerome Thomas has a back complaint but should recover in time to feature.