Ellis Harrison gives insight into Ronan Curtis’ mentality and verdict on his Portsmouth future amid Blackburn speculation

And the Blues striker praised his team-mate for the professionalism he’s shown amid the speculation over his future.

Curtis’ recent impressive displays and run of eight goals in 12 games has been a key factor in his side’s resurgent form as they chase promotion this term.

That has sparked the latest round of speculation over the 23-year-old’s future, with Championship side Blackburn Rovers reported to be interested.

Harrison feels Curtis deserves credit for keeping his focus on affairs on the pitch amid the kind of speculation which could prove distracting.

And he has no doubt the Republic of Ireland international will still be at Fratton Park next month.

Harrison said: ‘Of course you don’t want to let go of people who do anything for us. You want to strengthen and not weaken.

‘We are going to need every single player.

‘Obviously, I know there’s the talk about Ronan but his head’s fully on getting promotion here.

‘There’s a lot of hearsay that always goes around. I’ve been in that position.

‘He’s working hard in training. If he was pushing to go he could come in and start kicking balls away in training.

‘There will be reports in the press which always adds some fuel to the fire.

‘You still want to keep scoring goals because if you do go – even though Ronan won’t now – he will have a better chance of going to higher clubs if he’s scoring.

‘But he’s got no intention of going anywhere at the moment.’

Kenny Jackett has made it clear he’s not intending to let Curtis leave Pompey this month, with the winger integral to hopes of success this term.

With three players so far signed this month, Harrison is glad the focus has been on players coming in rather than going out.

Steve Seddon, Reeco Hackett-Fairchild and Cameron McGeehan have bolstered Jackett’s options, with Anton Walkes departing for MLS side Atlanta United and Luke McGee going on Bradford on loan.

And there is still the prospect of more strengthening to come this month with a central defender a priority.

Harrison is welcoming that prospect.

He added: ‘It’s always nice to strengthen the squad. It can’t do any harm, can it?

‘New players bring new dynamics and different styles of play.

‘Every player plays different so it will be good for us to add a few new faces.’