Bullish Kenny Jackett addresses Portsmouth future of ex-Blackburn and Reading target Ronan Curtis

And he insists there have been no January bids or enquiries for the influential Republic of Ireland international.

Curtis returned to Blues action on Tuesday night following coronavirus, appearing off the bench in the 4-0 hammering of AFC Wimbledon.

It represented a first appearance in four weeks for the left-sided winger, who has regularly attracted interest from clubs during his time at Fratton Park.

The 24-year-old previously revealed Reading and Blackburn showed interest during the last January transfer window, before pledging his future to the Blues by signing a new long-term deal.

Jackett, though, is adamant promotion-hunting Pompey are not considering his departure in this window either.

The Blues boss told The News: ‘We don’t want to let anybody go at present -and certainly not any of our frontline players.

‘We haven’t had any bid for Ronan or anybody else.

‘At this stage of the window and the position we are in in the league, we would obviously want to be coming out of this window as strong as possible and not try to weaken.

‘We haven’t any bids or enquiries for Ronan, which is good news.

‘Ronan has stayed and done very well for us since coming over from Derry.

‘He has been a consistent performer for us and I do feel time and again puts in good performances and has improved as a player.

‘I believe he’s happy here. I don’t think there is anything pending for him in terms of bids or enquiries.’

Curtis penned a three-a-half-year deal last February, tying him to Pompey until the summer of 2023.

Only Alex Bass is contracted for as long, reflecting the club’s belief in the ability of both young players.

Since his arrival in the summer of 2018 from Derry, Curtis has made 118 appearances and scored 34 goals, an impressive return for any winger.

In addition, he has fulfilled his ambition of representing his country during his time at Fratton Park, demonstrating League One status is not holding him back.

It is inevitable such continued good form will have attracted Championship attention for a player who has been one of Jackett’s best signings.

Still, there remains promotion to focus on, with the third-placed Blues one point adrift of League One’s top spot with a game in hand.

On Saturday they welcome leaders Hull to Fratton Park, aiming to complete the double over the Tigers.

And Jackett is determined to retain all his key players for the ongoing challenge.

He added: ‘It’s an intense period, there are a lot of games coming up.

‘Add to that injuries and suspensions can happen, as well as the possibility of covid, and that does lend itself towards being as strong as you possibly can.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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