Pompey Off to a Flyer

Portsmouth’s squad may still be a little light on numbers, but manager Harry Redknapp couldn’t be more delighted with an opening display that brought an emphatic first day victory over Blackburn Rovers at Fratton Park.

There were impressive debuts for David James in goal and Glen Johnson and ex-Gunner Sol Campbell at the back, but the star of the show was 31 year old Nigerian Kanu, who in a devastating second half spell as a substitute produced two goals to add to Todorov’s 26th minute opener, and was denied a hat trick only by Brad Freidel’s last gasp penalty save.

As for Blackburn, their misery was compounded by red cards from referee Alan Wiley for Neill and Todd. Now there’s a surprise.