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Nugent in England dreamland
Dave Nugent was in dreamland today as he reflected on a stunning England debut against Andorra last night.
The Preston North End star came on as a 79th-substitute in Barcelona's Olympic Stadium and netted the third goal for Steve McClaren's side in the 3-0 win.
The 21-year-old became the first outfield player from a Football League club to play for England in eight years.
Nugent was also the first Preston player since Sir Tom Finney 48 years ago to turn out for the Three Lions.
And he also joined the exclusive club reserved for those scoring on their England debut.
Nugent netted with a typical poacher's goal, side footing the ball over the line from less than a yard after Andorra keeper Koldo Alvarez had got a hand to Jermain Defoe's shot.
There was some debate later over who should be credited with the goal, but Nugent and Sky Sport's panel of experts were in no doubt as to the
scorer.
"It was my goal definitely, I'm claiming it," said Nugent.
"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 while playing in the Championship.
"There's no better feeling, and it shows all players in the Championship that there is a chance for them."
Steven Gerrard, scorer of England's first two goals, felt Defoe should claim the goal, but pundits Ray Wilkins, Glenn Hoddle and Jamie Redknapp were firmly on Nugent's side.
Wilkins said: "The ball didn't cross the line from Defoe's shot, and Nugent has knocked it in.
"He is a smashing young man and this was a centre-forward's goal. I should think he will escalate in price by a couple of million after that."
Former England manager Hoddle said: "Give him credit, he has come on as a substitute and was alive out there. He wanted to score and this was the easiest goal he will score."
And Redknapp added: "Nugent is a goal machine. Someone in the Premiership has to take a chance on him."
Nugent returned to training with North End at Springfields this afternoon, ahead of tomorrow night's televised clash against Leeds at Elland Road.
He must now wait until the summer to see whether last night's goal will earn him another call-up by McClaren.
England play Estonia at Wembley on June 6 in their next Euro 2008 qualifier.
Bid for the signed David Nugent England home shirt
Bid for the signed David Nugent England away shirt
All proceeds go to the Evening Post's Live in Hope campaign.
Nugent makes Preston proud. Leave your messages of congratulations below.
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Weather for Preston
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 14 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North west
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Temperature: 12 C to 23 C
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