Boss convinced Portsmouth can cope without Ronan CurtisÂ

Pompey will be without their talisman for two games after he was included in the Republic of Ireland's provisional squad today.

Curtis will miss the Checkatrade Trophy clash at Crawley on Tuesday and the League One trip to AFC Wimbledon next Saturday. 

The forward has made a barnstorming start at Fratton Park following his arrival from Derry City in June.

He's registered six goals and five assists, with his strike in the 1-0 victory at Coventry on Tuesday sending Pompey top of the table.

Jackett admits Curtis' absence will be a blow for his side. 

But with the likes of David Wheeler and Joe Mason able to come into the starting XI from the bench, the boss is certain the Blues can overcome the challenge. 

Jackett said: '˜Congratulations to him. I'm pleased for him and pleased for his family.

'˜He's done very well since he come here and it's great to see a Portsmouth player being recognised internationally.

'˜Yes, it is (a setback). But these things happen and we have to be good enough '“ and we are good enough '“ and strong enough to overcome the challenges when he's not here.

'˜One way or another, whether it be injuries, suspensions or international call-ups, you won't have 100-per-cent availability.

'˜You just have to make sure you're good enough as a squad to be able to overcome it.

'˜We feel we've got quite a strong squad at the moment.

'˜We've had a minimal amount of injuries and suspensions '“ which has been a big part of what we've done early in the season and why results have gone so well.

'˜I sincerely hope that's the case and it continues right the way through the season.

'˜But experience tells me it won't be and we'll have to overcome different players being out.

'˜If it's Ronan next week we have the players to overcome that.'