Nugent's England goal

Nugent: England goal

David Nugent has set his sight on goals to win his place back in both the Portsmouth and England teams.

The £6million hit-man is gunning to claim his place in both teams, just days after his Portsmouth future looked in doubt.

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp admitted he could sell the former Preston striker to strengthen his team - just two months after his switch to Fratton Park.

But a possible move to Derby did not materialise and Nugent is now keen to put all the speculation behind him and concentrate on what he does best - scoring goals.

He told the club's official website: "There was no way I wanted to leave. That's why all the speculation was so frustrating.

"People were saying I wanted to leave when I didn't. I've only been here two

months and I signed a four-year contract. Now I want to stay as long as possible and fire Portsmouth into Europe.

"I'm getting used to the Premier League now so hopefully I can get a few starts and start scoring some goals."

England

As well as his Pompey target, Nugent wants to also get back into the England squad, which he forced his way into in March but has since been dropped.

He added: "I'm still confident I'll get back in the England squad.

"As a footballer you have to be confident or else it is really not worth playing. As a striker you need to be scoring goals and hopefully, with Sol Campbell and David James back in the England squad Steve McClaren will be coming down to watch a few more Portsmouth games.

"I will be trying to catch his eye as well but to do that I've first got to fight to get my place back in the (Portsmouth) team and that's just what I aim to do."

After the international break, Pompey play Liverpool at home on 15th September, with Nugent up against fellow strikers Kanu, John Utaka and Benjani Mwaruwari for a starting place.