Bennett: My former team-mate is '˜perfect' for Pompey role

That is the verdict of Kyle Bennett, who has been reunited with the ex-Doncaster Rovers striker at Fratton Park.

The pair spent the 2014-15 campaign as Keepmoat Stadium team-mates before Bennett departed for the Blues.

Now Main has followed him to the south coast and will be expected to add a greater attacking edge to Paul Cook’s side.

The 24-year-old netted 10 goals in 44 appearances during that season with Bennett alongside him.

And Pompey’s chief creator from last term is hoping to re-establish the on-pitch understanding he has with the former Middlesbrough man.

Bennett said: ‘I know Curtis from Doncaster. We spent one season together.

‘As a striker he’s got everything and someone like that is perfect for the striking role we operate with.

‘Curtis can shoot with his left foot, right foot, is strong, is quick, and a very good addition to the squad.

‘He brings a lot of people into play because he is so big.

‘Team-mates run past him and he sets a lot of them up, that is a big thing with his game.

‘He is physically big – in terms of muscles – and a big presence up front who is hard to get off the ball.

‘Curtis needs to add goals to his game. He needs to get into the box more and have a bit more of ruthless streak to score tap-ins.

‘He scores world-class goals such as off the crossbar and if he can enter the box more to give himself a tap-in, that will enhance his game a lot.

‘He can be unselfish, although he also can shoot from 50 yards!

‘You never know with him, he’s got such a great strike of the ball he can score from anywhere.’

Main joins a striking pool which includes Michael Smith and Conor Chaplin.

Smith is not on the tour of Ireland, having remained at home for treatment on a tight calf, although his absence is more through precaution than anything.

Bennett added: ‘There is Michael Smith as well, which gives us two big lads.

‘I thought he was excellent last season and we probably missed him a little bit when he had to return to Swindon at the end of his loan.

‘As for Conor, his goal-scoring speaks for itself.

‘We have three great strikers – very, very good strikers – and I have always enjoyed playing in the same side as Curtis.’