Republic of Ireland new-boy targets Portsmouth promotion as his next goal

The newly-capped Republic of Ireland international has in the past week achieved one of his career ambitions.

It represents a whirlwind six months for the 22-year-old following a Fratton Park switch from Derry City.

Curtis' Pompey arrival provided the Football League chance he craved, a transfer he credits as being pivotal to elevating his international aspirations.

The winger's next objective is aiding the Blues' push for a long-awaited Championship return.

And considering their outstanding start to the League One campaign, he feels he can also succeed in that footballing goal.

Curtis told The News: '˜It's about promotion, we all want to get to the Championship next year and that was my aim when I joined.

'˜This summer I wanted to get us up and make my international debut. Well, I have already got my cap, that's one ticked off the list, so hopefully we can now keep going and look to the Championship next year.

'˜It would be an honour winning promotion after my first year in League One, but obviously there is plenty of hard work yet.

'˜To be fair, when I joined in the summer I even didn't think I would have played as much as I have, but the gaffer and Joe have given me the nod and I've done well so far.

'˜It has been an unbelievable season so far, we're two points ahead of Sunderland, everyone is doing amazingly well at the club and hopefully we can keep it up and get promotion.

'˜As a team we've clicked, we have a good mixture of ages and are hungry and passionate for the game, working well together.

'˜We've got loads of fixtures coming up in the next six weeks, that's League One for you, and while there might be a few ups and downs through the season, hopefully we can continue.'

Curtis has proven a revelation upon his Fratton Park arrival for an undisclosed fee.

Handed an immediate starting spot, his only absences from Jackett's first-team have been due to international call-ups.

In total, the winger has amassed six goals and seven assists from 17 matches, settling comfortably into the English game.

Now he has two international caps '“ recognition he feels wouldn't have arrived if he had remained in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.

Curtis added: '˜If I was still in the League of Ireland I don't think I would have got the call-up for the senior Ireland side.

'˜Even though we are in League One, Portsmouth is a massive club, we don't belong there. I've been working so hard with them that I've earned my way to getting my international debut.

'˜Nothing against Derry, they are a great club, but I don't think I would have made my first-team debut if I was still there.

'˜Loads of people notice you more in League One.'