Ambitious Ronan Curtis on his mission to overhaul Portsmouth scoring greats Yakubu and Brett Pitman

The Republic of Ireland international netted his 13th of the season in the Blues’ important 1-0 triumph over Bristol Rovers.

It takes his Blues haul to 39 goals in 139 appearances since arriving from Derry in May 2018.

Only former Fratton favourites Yakubu (43) and Pitman (42) have netted more times for Pompey in the 21st Century.

Remarkably, all but one of Curtis’ 39-goal tally have come from open play – with none arriving from the penalty spot.

And the 25-year-old is desperate to surpass the talented pair presently ahead of him.

Curtis told The News: ‘I am well aware of the record and have another five goals to go. I take it quite seriously.

‘It would be a great honour for me to achieve that, but it’s not always about me. First and foremost it’s about the team – and every one of us gave 100 per cent mentally and physically to get the result against Bristol Rovers.

‘Yakubu was a great striker who scored a lot of goals in his career, and it would be good to catch up with him.

‘I played here with Brett Pitman he’s a great finisher and scored two against us on Tuesday night.

‘I know I have 43 to beat and have 39 for Pompey at the moment. It would be a great honour for me and my family to look back when I retire and say “I have done it”. That motivates me.

‘In that total, I haven’t hit a penalty. Obviously there was the one at Wembley in the Papa John’s Trophy final, but during 90 minutes I haven’t taken a pen at this club.

‘There was a free-kick at Lincoln last year, but the rest of them have been from open play.

‘I don’t mind where I score from, I don’t even mind if I score, as long as I make an impact in the team, whether that’s running, pressing or assisting.’

Curtis has netted three times in seven matches to total 13 goals with three League One fixtures remaining.

He’s rapidly closing in on 16-goal leading scorer John Marquis, who marked his 100th Pompey outing in the Bristol Rovers clash.

And with a contract lasting until the summer of 2023, there is plenty of time yet for Curtis to add to his remarkable tally.

He added: ‘When I first came to this club, I explained what I came here to do – to score and set up goals.

‘If I can’t do that, that’s down to me. But as long as I try my best and give 100 per cent in every game I play, then it will come off.

‘The big man is up there watching over me – and hopefully I can keep scoring for the team.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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