David Nugent has confirmed he has suffered yet another blow in his bid to break into the Portsmouth first-team.

Nugent, who has struggled with injury since joining Pompey in 2007, looked on course to make his ninth Pompey start on Wednesday evening against Chelsea in the Carling Cup after he recently recovered from a groin injury.

However, the 23-year-old has explained that he will miss out after he suffered a minor recurrence of the problem.

He told The News: "Since I joined Portsmouth I've really had a nightmare with injuries.

"I'd been looking forward to Chelsea. Last year I got my chance in the Carling Cup and scored the goals in the first two. I was hoping it can happen again.

"Now I'm out again. But that's football. Hopefully this season at sometime I will be injury-free."

Nugent went on to confirm he was subject of interest from both Ipswich and Stoke in the summer, but never contemplated seeking a move away from the South Coast.

He added: "There was a lot of talk about Ipswich and Stoke but I didn't want to go while I was unfit so that was it, really.

"I didn't think the time was right to go. I'd just come back from injury, wasn't fit and played no games.

"I've always wanted to stay. I feel sorry for the fans because they haven't seen what I can do, but they've stuck behind me 110 per cent.

"Hopefully, I can get a chance soon."