Redknapp plays down hype

Sheringham scored a hat-trick for Portsmouth Allardyce slams 'diabolical' Bolton

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp admitted he was concerned about the possibility of over-expectation after his newly-promoted side went top of the Premiership.

Pompey thrashed Bolton 4-0 at Fratton Park on Tuesday evening, following up on their impressive start to the season which has seen them beat Aston Villa and draw with Manchester City.

But Redknapp was glad to have got off to a flying start and said: "It's certainly better than losing like the other promoted teams have.

"West Ham were never top of the Premiership at any stage - certainly while I was in charge.

"So this is something new. I'll certainly take it and we'll deal with what comes later.

Match report: Portsmouth 4-0 Bolton

"Really we should have nine points out of nine because we were only a minute from victory at Manchester City on Saturday.

"The boys have been outstanding and we want them to keep it up.

"There's an awful long way to go, but we are gaining confidence all the time."

Sheringham's second-half treble was the highlight of a pulsating Pompey performance, and Redknapp declared: "Teddy is top-class.

"It was a great hat-trick and I always knew he'd keep scoring goals in the Premiership.

It's a long, tough season, but we won't get carried away by this great start

It's a long, tough season, but we won't get carried away by this great start Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp

"He's one of eight free transfers we have got here. They are cast-offs by their previous clubs who didn't think they could still perform at the top level.

"But we've given them the opportunity and they're still showing what they can do.

"Teddy is the top man. He lives right, trains right and looks after himself. He's an example to everybody and is doing the same sort of job that Paul Merson did for us last season.

"We have all, as managers, let players go too early in our time - but I'm just glad we are feeling the benefit now.

"I spent just £3m in the summer to prepare a team for the Premiership and for that you only get players who have been around a bit.

"It's a long, tough season, but we won't get carried away by this great start.

"We've got to keep our feet on the ground because when injuries and suspensions come along that's when we might struggle.

"I'm still hoping to get a few signings before the weekend and quite honestly we could need them."

Portsmouth, who played current basement boys Wolves on Saturday, could have Russia captain Alexei Smertin in their line-up by then.

The 29-year-old midfield player, Chelsea's latest signing, is expected to join Pompey on loan for the season.

Redknapp said: "It's an unusual deal, but it's just a matter of having contacts.

"We hope to have this player for a year on loan, but it's all down to negotiations."

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