The Deepdale legend, the last Preston North End player to be capped by England nearly half-a-century ago until Nugent's substitute appearance against Andorra last night, said: "It was a fantastic moment for Preston North End and David Nugent.

"The whole city should be proud of him."

Finney, capped 76 times by England, added: "He looked like a little lad in a sweet shop when he was running back to the centre-circle and I was so pleased for the lad.

"It was a moment of history for Preston and I'm sure our supporters will be very proud.

"It is the highlight of your career to play for England, but I think it could be the first of many caps for David if he keeps his improvement going.

"He is such an enthusiastic lad and Steve McClaren should keep faith with him now because he has shown that he can do it.

"David's approach play was very slick and he looked the best player on the pitch when he was given his chance.

"He was unlucky not to score a few minutes earlier, but he is an instinctive forward.

"It was just a tap-in, but the lad is a goalscorer and they all count don't they?

"Hopefully, he has saved a goal for our game at Leeds tomorrow."

Nugent returned to a hero's welcome in the city today when he linked up with North End's first team squad ahead of tomorrow's vital Championship clash against Leeds United at Elland Road.

"David only had a few minutes on the pitch, but to be chosen from a club outside the Premier League just goes to show how much potential he has," said Finney.

"He is a tremendous finisher, and his eye for goal has always impressed greatly.

"To be picked by England will give him a great boost and he is in tremendous form going into the final month of the season, and that's fantastic news for North End."

North End boss Paul Simpson was in Barcelona to witness Nugent's debut in England's 3-0 win and added: "To score in your first game for England is a wonderful achievement."

Preston chairman Derek Shaw, who also travelled to Barcelona, said: "I'd just like to echo Sir Tom's words, because it is something the whole of Preston and the country should be proud of. I spoke to David and his family after the game and they were just so proud.

"They are lovely people and David is a smashing lad.

"But it is back to reality for him today – he was back with
the lads training in the rain in Ashton!"

There was some debate over who should be credited with the goal, but Nugent said: "It was my goal, definitely. I'm claiming it. Jermain Defoe has said the same thing, so it's one cap and one goal.

"I didn't hesitate with it, I only had 15 minutes on the pitch and had missed a chance earlier.

"It was a proper striker's goal. This is a thing of dreams. This is unbelievable, to score on my England debut."

Bid for the signed David Nugent England home shirt

Bid for the signed David Nugent England away shirt

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