Portsmouth Football Club News

He has waited more than 18 months but finally David Nugent has got a Premier League goal to his name. The striker-turned-wideman produced another blood and guts performance at White Hart Lane and was rewarded on 59 minutes when his low shot flew into the bottom corner of Heurelho Gomes’ net. Nugent’s joy was there for all to see as he celebrated in front of the travelling Blues fans and few will begrudge him his moment in the sun. The 24-year-old is not a fans’ favourite for nothing. His tireless running and commitment are there for all to see. Up until now things have not quite gone the affable Scouser’s way. Injuries and loss of form mean that Nugent’s only Pompey goals since he joined from Preston have come in domestic cups. But now he is off the mark in the league and Tony Adams could not be happier. The Blues boss, however, admitted that Nugent might not have even been on the pitch after picking up a hamstring injury in the FA Cup victory at Bristol City. “I thought about resting him,” said Adams. “I thought about starting John Utaka but David was up for it. I asked him on Saturday if he was okay but he didn’t need any encouragement. “I’m delighted for him. He’s a centre-forward but I’m playing him out on the right because the system suits that. “I was speaking to Guy Whittingham, who played there at Sheffield Wednesday. He said to me that it can take six to eight games to get a feel for the position. “David’s got energy and commitment and is a big trier. I’m delighted that he got his goal and he thoroughly deserved it. “He’s had a run in the team and has been working hard. He ran himself into the ground again.” Ultimately Pompey had to settle for a share of the spoils in north London after Jermain Defoe netted an equaliser. But Adams does not regret selling Defoe back to his former club earlier in the month. He said: “Jermain’s a goalscorer but I took the decision that I need a group of lads who are pulling together. “You’ve got to stick together and I’m quietly confident that we’re going to be alright with these guys. “There are around 12 teams fighting at the bottom and everyone needs to be pulling in the same direction. “If someone doesn’t want to be at your football club then you need to move them on very quickly. The ones that are left need to fight and scrap.” Pompey’s performances recently have had a common thread running through them – resilience. And Adams was delighted to see that quality again in spades at Tottenham. He said: “From the Arsenal match onwards we’ve been so resilient but we can’t stop now. We’ve got a five-month war ahead and we go from battle to battle. “Look at Sol. He was mentally rock-solid. I was very proud with him – he just got on with his business. “He was very professional and produced an outstanding performance. “And it looked like nothing was getting in Jamo’s way. He’s bang in form and very focused. He’s England’s number one and I’m delighted to have him.”

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