Teddy's ready, says Harry

Veteran striker Teddy Sheringham completed his move to Premiership newboys Portsmouth with team boss Harry Redknapp predicting the 37-year-old will be "a great asset next season."

The former England striker - scorer of 11 goals in 51 appearances - was released by Tottenham at the end of the last campaign and has signed a one-year deal with the south coast club where he will join fellow new signings Patrik Berger, Dejan Stefanovic and Boris Zivkovic.

"He is a top player and a fantastic professional. I can't tell you how pleased I am that he is here - he'll be a fantastic asset for us in the Premier League," said Redknapp.

"I remember when I was at Bournemouth a friend said Teddy, who was at Millwall, would go right to the top - and he was dead right.

"Look at Teddy's career - he's been there and done it all.

"It would be difficult for me to say he's the biggest signing in Portsmouth's history - but they don't come much bigger.

"I should have signed him a few years back when I was at West Ham - but it was difficult persuading my chairman he wasn't too old - and I had the same problem with Stuart Pearce before he retired.

"But age doesn't matter when players keep themselves as fit as Teddy has and you retain the enthusiasm to play the game."

Sheringham - who scored one of the goals in Manchester United's stunning 1999 Champions League victory over Bayern Munich - said he had not hesitated when Redknapp approached him.

"The lure of the Premiership is still there, so when Harry came calling I didn't need much persuasion to come here," said Sheringham, who played in two World Cups (1998 and 2002).

"I'm looking to enjoy my football like I have at every other club. I'm hoping to stay fit and if I do who knows what we can achieve?

"Nothing has been said about a coaching role - I'm here just to play and I am very happy with that. I'm happy to be here."

Aside from United and Spurs - with whom he had two spells - Sheringham also played for Nottingham Forest and Millwall, which was where he first made his name.