Portsmouth striker David Nugent has revealed that he had a point to prove when he came up against former manager Harry Redknapp.
Nugent claimed his first Portsmouth league goal when he opened the scoring against Redknapp's Tottenham side at White Hart Lane on Sunday.
Despite Jermain Defoe equalising for Spurs to salvage a draw, the one-time England international was still delighted with his strike.
The former Bury ace had a frustrating spell during Redknapp's second reign at the club after he was signed from Preston for £6million in July 2007.
Last season Nugent started just three times in the Premier League making him an easy target for reports linking him with a move away from Fratton Park.
But since Tony Adams succeeded Redknapp, Nugent has seen his stock rise within the first-team squad.
The 23-year-old has started the last four games, culminating in his goal against Spurs on Sunday.
"I'm delighted. It's my first Premier League goal. Hopefully there will be more to come now," he told The News.
"I've picked the right match to do it, with it being in front of my ex-boss as well. I never played much under Harry so I'm happy to have done it now.
"I had a point to prove. It was in the back of my mind to show him what I can do. Under Harry my confidence was a bit low, but Tony is giving me my chance now.
"Since Tony has come in he has played me and my confidence is back up there."
Nugent's run in the side has come at a cost with the striker being asked to play out of position down the right-hand side with Peter Crouch occupying the lone striker's role in Adams' preferred 4-5-1 formation.
But Nugent insists he is happy to play his part for the team.
"Tony has changed things and wants to do things his way now the job is his," he added.
"I've been put out on the wing to do a job and I'm doing it. I'm just happy to be playing.
"I may not be in my best position but I've scored and I want to score a few more. Because I haven't been playing there are a few clubs I've been linked with.
"They are in the Championship, though, and I don't want to drop down. I want to prove I can do it at this level. Hopefully people will see what I can do."
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