Curtis is a welcome Portsmouth addition - but why?

The excellent start he has made to life at Pompey has had instant adoration coming his way from supporters, and it is not undeserved.

Days are still of the early variety but if he carries on in the same vein and nets, say, 20 goals in his first (and hopefully not last) campaign at Fratton, he will be talked about in glowing terms for many years to come.

You only have to look at how we remember goal heroes of the past '“ and I am thinking everyone from Farmer Boy Haines to Svetoslav Todorov, and quite a number in between.

My favourite thing about Curtis is not the goals and assists he has weighed in with in the opening couple of months of the season, but the fact he has made it possible to name four Pompey players, in full, using just five words '¦Â Terry Connor Ronan Curtis Main.

Is that possible with any other group of Pompey players, or even beatable? These are the questions we need answering; not whether we'll have to sell him if we don't get promoted.

One downside of Curtis's great start is that, because Ireland have sat up and taken notice of his abilities, they will rob us of his services for upcoming international breaks.

I can't say that worries me much. Clubs shouldn't complain when their players get called by their country and have to miss the odd match - they should celebrate it. I don't even think the Premier League and Championship should have international breaks. They should get on with whatever squad they have left '“ as cricket counties do.

Alternatively we could limit internationals to Wednesday nights, with commentary on Radio 2 and highlights on Sportsnight.