Nugent aims for relegation boost

Nugent scored against Liverpool in January

Striker David Nugent will put sentiment aside as he aims to boost Portsmouth's chances of Premier League survival against boyhood idols Everton.

The 23-year-old is an ardent Toffees fan and still visits Goodison Park.

He told BBC Radio Solent: "It'll be a great occasion for me, I've got a lot of friends and family coming down for the game at Fratton Park."

Only goal difference keeps Pompey out of the relegation zone heading into the final 10 matches.

Nugent added: "It's a vital game for us. We need to get three points and get away from that relegation zone as quickly as possible and hopefully we can do that on Saturday."

The Pompey striker scored in the 3-2 home defeat against Liverpool in January but it's the blue half of Merseyside that has always been close to his heart.

I've always wanted to play at Everton since I was a young kid but that hasn't happened

David Nugent

"I got my first season ticket when I was seven and sat on the Gladwys Street with my dad," he said.

"In the early 90's, big Duncan Ferguson was my idol. He was the main one I followed, always wore his heart on his sleeve and he was a great player."

But Nugent is aware of the importance of a win on Saturday.

"I want to go out there and beat Everton," he said.

"I'll give 120% like I would against any other Premier League side and hopefully we can go out and win the game."

Patience has been a key factor for Nugent after his move from Preston threatened to turn sour. Despite earning an England cap before his move to Fratton Park nearly two years ago, the 23-year-old became a peripheral figure while Harry Redknapp was in charge.

"I almost left the club when Harry was in charge but he left for Tottenham and Tony Adams came in and gave me a chance and I've never looked back since," added Nugent

Nugent suffered relegation in his first season as a professional at Bury. Seven years on, the position at the foot of the Premier League is just as tight, but the Pompey striker feels every club still has a chance of beating the drop.

"I don't think West Brom are out of it yet," he said.

"Mathematically, they are still in it. You just need a good run and you're out of it. It's our own form that is the key now, and if we win our own games, we will be safe."