David Nugent is hopeful he will reap the benefits of putting in the hard yards in training.

The forward has cut little since joining Pompey from Preston in the summer and has already been linked with a move away from Fratton Park.

"It came to the point where I thought 'there must be something wrong here' and decided to do something about it," Nugent told The News.

"Now I'm putting in extra training and just trying to keep my fitness at a good level.

"I've been going in early every morning, doing work with the fitness coach, then staying behind shooting with the coaches. When I get called upon I want to be ready.

"I think you've got to put in extra work, especially if you are not playing.

"You've got to practice and play in the reserves to keep your match fitness up so when needed you can make an impact.

"Many players would not do that, but then I am not one of them.

"If you want to be the best you can then you have got to do extra training. That's my belief."