PFA interview with a new Burnley hero

David Nugent’s career is most definitely back on track. Two years ago he scored on his England debut against Andorra and consequently earned himself a £6 million move from Preston to Portsmouth. However, he endured a frustrating time at Fratton Park, scoring just three goals in 34 games and was often was asked to play in a less familiar role on the flank.

But Nugent’s return to Lancashire in a loan deal with Burnley is proving that he has not lost his goalscoring touch -with the 24-year-old coming off the bench to grab a fantastic brace on his home debut to help the Clarets to an impressive 3-1 victory against Sunderland at the weekend. And, as givemefootball’s Mark Shail discovered, Nugent is now setting his sights very high.

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR DOUBLE STRIKE, YOU MUST BE DELIGHTED?

I always knew I could score goals. People doubted me at Portsmouth because I didn’t score enough goals. But I never really played as a striker, I think 80 per cent of my games were playing as a winger. I played the odd game up front for Portsmouth, which I scored goals in, but all of a sudden I’d be back on the wing. I am an out-and-out striker. Play me as a striker and I’ll score. I’m not a winger.

HOPEFULLY A COUPLE OF FRUSTRATING SEASONS ARE NOW BEHIND YOU?

Ever since I got that England cap (in March 2007) it has been downhill but hopefully I can rekindle my career at Burnley and get back into the fold, catch some eyes and get back into the England squad.

YOU APPEAR TO HAVE SETTLED IN REALLY QUICKLY AT TURF MOOR?

It has been fantastic here. I’m really enjoying it and the smile is back on my face. With every game and training session I feel sharper. I’m on loan until January but if I can impress the boss then hopefully he can sign me on a permanent basis. I’d love to make the move to Burnley permanent. I don’t think Portsmouth is the club for me. I’ve come here to play games, score goals and get a permanent contract – and get in the England squad again.

TALK US THROUGH YOUR TWO GOALS?

The first one was a great ball from Wade Elliott. There was some good play with three of them on the wing, but Wade put the ball in and I managed to get my head on it and put it in the top corner. Tyrone (Mears) has given me the second. He passed it to me and I managed to swivel, swing my left foot and it also went in the top corner – so it’s a great start for me.

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