Jermain Defoe is convinced Portsmouth are onto a winner with their new strike-partnership of himself and Peter Crouch.

Defoe - who is a full 12in shorter than his beanpole partner - said: "Obviously, I have played with Crouch before so I know how he plays. We're looking forward to the season.

"Everyone is talking about the little and large combination but he's a good player and I have played with him at international level.

"I am really looking forward to it. I think we can do really well together because we've got a good understanding.

"I guess that's bad news for defenders.

"But, yes - it's good news for England manager Fabio Capello, too.

"He will be able to see us play together and, hopefully, maybe he can sort of keep that in his mind and use that in the future. We'll see."