The Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp feels that his new little and large partnership of Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe can ''excite'' the Premier League next season. Crouch, who is undergoing a medical in Portsmouth today, will be unveiled at a 1pm press conference at Fratton Park tomorrow. The transfer fee to his former club Liverpool is expected to exceed £11m.

"Crouchie is obviously a quality player, he will be a fantastic signing for us," said Redknapp. "He's a good lad as well, him and Jermain together can be exciting."

Redknapp denied that Crouch's arrival would spell the end of David Nugent's unproductive time on the south coast. "I've always said I wanted four or five strikers to choose from," he explained. "Last year we didn't have that. I don't want any of them to leave now. I would like to keep Nuge if possible; you need all of them this season. If you are competing in the Uefa Cup as well there are a lot of matches. We need strength in depth and these players give that.

''It's up to Nuge now. I'm looking for him to push on. If he gets the opportunity it's up to him to take it. He needs to come good and show what he can do. The first year was a big step up for him but he knows what's expected now. He's got the ability to do it, no doubt about that."