OWEN Coyle is ready to launch a two-pronged attack at Portsmouth tomorrow.

The Burnley manager has revealed his intention to speak with new Pompey boss Avram Grant about the possibility of making on-loan striker David Nugent a permanent signing in January.

And he hopes those discussions take place after securing the Clarets’ first Premier League away win.

Burnley have picked up only one point from a possible 21 on their travels, but remain optimistic of ending that barren run against the bottom team, even though their fire power has been reduced by the enforced absence of Nugent.

A Premier League ruling means the 24-year-old is unable to play against his parent club tomorrow.

But Coyle insists he will nevertheless remain very much part of the matchday squad, and reiterated his desire to make him a permanent employee.

“I will ask the question,” said the Scot.

“Avram has his own ideas and he has been there before so he will know David.

"Hopefully, not too well because I would like him here.

"I think it's fair to say there will be some sort of dialogue.

“I don't know how a new manager coming in with a different way of working will affect things.

“What I do know is that David loves being at this football club.

"He enjoys coming to work and has enjoyed being part of it.

"Hopefully, there will be an offer if we can sort something out to bring him here more permanently.

“If not, from my point of view, it won't be for the lack of trying, I can assure you.”

And Coyle admitted, but for the Premier League ruling, Nugent would have been in serious contention for only his fourth start since arriving on September 1.

“He's a player I think think a lot of, I believe in him, and it's a shame the Premier League ruling forbids him from playing because it might have been time for him and (Steven) Fletcher to go again.

“They've looked a terrific partnership.

“But David will be with us, he'll travel with the squad.”

On arrival at Turf Moor, Nugent spoke of how his career had stalled since his £6million move from Preston to Portsmouth in the summer of 2007.

His comments could lead to a frosty reception at Fratton Park, but Coyle said: “If someone's up front and honest, they can't be criticised for that.

“I don't think it was anything against Portsmouth Football Club, it was maybe how much they paid for him and the restriction of opportunity.

“Portsmouth invested a lot of money in him and they didn't do that because he was a poor player but because they thought he was worth every penny, so there has to be balance.”