The Rams' big-time return to the Barclays Premier League sees them start off with a sell-out Pride Park clash with Pompey.

Portsmouth summer signing Nugent is well known to Kelly and Derby boss Billy Davies as he was signed by the duo during their time in charge at Preston.

Nugent, who scored on his England debut in a 3-0 win over Andorra in March, has since moved to the south coast in a $15million deal.

Kelly is confident Nugent will do well at Fratton Park as he said: "He will be a good signing, he is a good lad.

"I'm sure Nugent will be a success for Harry (Redknapp), but I just hope he has an absolute disaster tomorrow."

As far as Derby are concerned, they are expected to have their own disaster as a club this season as bookmakers are predicting an immediate return to the Championship.

But Kelly insisted: "That's their opinion, which we can use as a motivational tool to prove them wrong.

"A few years ago West Brom were bottom at Christmas and survived, and now everybody is tipping us as the team to go down.

"We have to do our utmost to make sure it doesn't come true."

Kelly will lead out the team and shout instructions from the side as Davies serves a one-match touchline ban.

The fiery Scot was also fined $25000 yesterday after being found guilty of using abusive and/or insulting language towards a match official stemming from a game at Southend in January.

However, Davies is to appeal against a second charge which led to him being warned as to his future conduct and fined a further £750 after being found guilty of using abusive and/or insulting language towards a club official.

Kelly is convinced there will be no problems, and the players will know exactly what their orders will be come kick off, but also what is needed to survive throughout the course of the campaign.

"We know what the players are like and how committed they are to the football club, and how hard they've worked throughout the pre-season," remarked Kelly.

"We have to hope we conjure up a Reading-type scenario where you get a togetherness and a group of players working very hard first and foremost.

"After also speaking to a few managers this week they also say you have to have that bit of luck.

"But Reading were super last season, and they have given those who came up from the Championship something to look to."

Kelly maintains his players should not be in awe of any opposition they face this season, regardless of the names and transfer fees.

"At the end of the day there's nothing to be feared. We're only playing against 11 other people," insisted Kelly.

"Irrespective of whether they cost $37million or $40million, you have to win the individual battles against the person you are up against."

Defender Claude Davis, signed from relegated Sheffield United this summer, should play despite sustaining a slight hamstring strain in Saturday's 2-2 friendly draw with Spanish side Espanyol.

Although Derby were yesterday granted a work permit for United States midfielder Benny Feilhaber, the player will not figure as he still has to finalise personal details on his move from SV Hamburg, as well as receive international clearance.