Teddy Sheringham opened his account for Portsmouth as the Premiership newcomers romped to a 4-0 win at Exeter last night.

Sheringham, who has been named skipper for next season, was joined on the scoresheet by Svetoslav Todorov, Kevin Harper and Carl Robinson in Pompey's opening friendly.

Pompey striker Yakubu Ayegbeni, a massive hit at Fratton Park last season after signing from Maccabi, is expected to miss the start of the season after contracting malaria.

He picked up the potentially fatal disease after being bitten by a mosquito while relaxing in his home country of Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Walsall manager Colin Lee believes the expected signing of Paul Merson would be the biggest in the midlands club's 115-year history.

The former England international's move from Pompey is anticipated later today.

Lee said: "Paul did have interest from Nottingham Forest and Reading, two clubs who reached the play-offs last year remember, but he's stuck by what he said to me when he promised he would come to Walsall.

"That shows his calibre as a person off the field.

"And we all know about his calibre on the field.''

Lee also revealed the 35-year-old would be groomed for a coaching and management role at Bescot Stadium once he decides his playing days are over.

Harry Kewell was little more than a spectator on his Liverpool debut as Michael Owen grabbed two goals in a 3-1 win at Cologne.

It was just 36 days since Owen's last outing - his match-winning brace for England against Slovakia in June - and the Liverpool ace showed he was still in top form in the RheinEnergie Stadium as Liverpool confidently won their first pre-season friendly.

Owen - with a new crew-cut and beard - came on in the second half to cut down Cologne after Emile Heskey had scored the Reds' first.

Tottenham new boy Helder Postiga marked his debut with a goal as Glenn Hoddle's Spurs overcame non-league opponents Stevenage 2-0 at Broadhall Way.

The highly-rated Portuguese striker - signed from Porto for £6.25million - turned home a cross from Johnnie Jackson in the 50th minute.

Slovenian Milenko Acimovic had opened the scoring after he was released by Goran Bunjevcevic.

Premiership newcomers Wolves drew 0-0 at Swindon.

Crystal Palace winger Julian Gray could seal a move to Leeds United, who have yet to make another summer signings, when he turns out in a friendly at Bristol City on Saturday.

United manager Peter Reid has already held preliminary talks with Palace about the 23-year-old, who is out of contract but will still cost a compensation fee because of his age.