A patient David Nugent admits it has been "horrible" watching from the Portsmouth bench this season, but intends to prove he can cut it in the Barclays Premier League.

The 22-year-old, capped once by England, has been only a bit-part player this season following a £6million summer transfer from Preston.

However with the likes of Benjani Mwaruwari, John Utaka and Kanu all away at the African Nations Cup, Nugent looks set for a run in the side, following what was only a third Premier League start at Sunderland last weekend.

With Pompey having slipped down the table, it could be just the time for Nugent to make his mark, with whipping boys Derby coming to Fratton Park on Saturday.

"I am not going to lie, it is horrible when you are not playing, but hopefully now I will get the opportunity to show people just what I can do," said Nugent, who came off the bench to score the winning goal in the FA Cup third-round tie at Ipswich.

"I have had to be patient, hopefully that patience will now start to pay off.

"I have heard comments that I am not good enough to play in the Premier League, but I haven't really had the chance to prove myself yet.

"A few players will be coming into the team now that some guys have left for the African Nations and I am hoping to be one of them.

"I have been working hard in training and coming in early to work with the fitness coach, so when the chances do come I will be ready to take them.

"I just want to score goals and keep Pompey high up in the Premier League table. I give 110% every time I play."

New signing Lassana Diarra looks set to go straight into the starting line-up.

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp certainly believes he has pulled off something of a coup in landing the "fantastic", if temperamental, former Chelsea player - who had only arrived at the Emirates Stadium in August.

"In my opinion he's already one of the best midfield players in the Premier League and has the ability to be one of the best there is," said Redknapp, who allowed his own unsettled midfielder Matt Taylor to join Bolton.

"He's strong, powerful, quick and can pass the ball. You don't play for France for the last nine or 10 games unless you're top quality.

"I'm delighted he has decided to sign for us rather than a host of other clubs. It's great news for Portsmouth."

Full-back Glen Johnson (hamstring) and midfielder Sean Davis - who has not featured since December 15 - could be in contention to face the Rams.

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