Curtis back in Portsmouth side after international adventure

The 22-year-old today returned to training on the south coast having spent time away with the Republic of Ireland.

The winger's goal for the under-21s against Kosovo subsequently earned a call-up to Martin O'Neill's senior squad for their trip to Poland.

Curtis' maiden involvement consisted of serving as an unused substitute in the 1-1 friendly draw, yet it still represented a massive breakthrough.

As a consequence of international duty, he has missed the Blues' past two matches '“ Gillingham and Shrewsbury.

But he's back in the team for Saturday's intriguing clash at League One leaders Peterborough.

Jackett said: '˜Many congratulations to him for getting called up to the senior squad after his goal for the under-21s.

'˜I think Ronan will start (against Peterborough), we will see, you always keep your options open right until the end and see what happens.

'˜He's definitely fit and available. Although he has done quite a bit of travelling and flying around, he hasn't trained since Monday, so I expect him to be fresh.

'˜Ronan's been a popular player for us and given us good balance, he's certainly helped and assisted our cause in the early stages of our season.

'˜It was a great experience for him to go to Poland. Despite not getting any game time, it's a real honour for him to get called up for his national side.

'˜He's done some travelling in the last 10 days, but it's good experience and great for him and great for the club that we've had somebody called up to his first international squad as a Portsmouth player, so it shows some progress for us.

'˜Getting the international call up is great and he's fully fit and okay.'

Andre Green replaced Curtis for both Blues matches, yet is now injured.

The Aston Villa loanee has a knee problem, although David Wheeler is also an option after replacing him at half-time against Shrewsbury.

Pompey, however, missed the attacking thrust of Curtis, who has begun the campaign with five goals and three assists.

Without him, the Blues lacked the spark which characterised previous Fratton Park league matches against Oxford United and Plymouth.

Now he's back to bolster the Blues' bid to topple Peterborough from the League One summit.

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