Five Irish gems who could follow Ronan Curtis' Pompey lead at Fratton Park

When reports first emerged the winger was on Pompey’s radar in April 2018, you’d struggle to find a fan on the south coast who’d ever heard of him.

It’s the opposite now. During his two years at Fratton Park, Curtis has been a revelation.

When he was recruited for around £100,000 from Derry City, he was a gamble – and one that’s certainly paid off.

He’s scored 25 goals in 93 appearances for the Blues, became a senior Republic of Ireland international and attracted suitors from further up the pyramid.

With Curtis being plucked from the League of Ireland for a nominal fee, Pompey have looked to cultivate the division since.

Kenny Jackett had Kieran Sadlier on his radar last season before the forward swapped Cork City for Doncaster.

And last summer, the Blues were linked with another Rebel Army man in Sean McLoughlin. The centre-back subsequently joined Championship side Hull City.

There are certainly hidden gems on the Emerald Isle and Pompey’s diligent recruitment would have meant they’ve continued to survey the best fledgling talent available.

With Jackett facing the prospect of his playing budget being slashed amid the ramifications of the coronavirus crisis, he’ll be looking bang for his buck.

So who are the diamonds in the rough on the other side of the Irish Sea? We’ve taken a look….

Neil Farrugia - Shamrock Rovers

The forward resisted the shining lights of Manchester City to stay in Eire to complete his studies last year.

Farrugia had a trial with the Premier League champions’ under-23 squad while playing for UCD, but instead opted for a switch to Shamrock Rovers.

The 21-year-old struggled with injuries last campaign that kept him out for the best part of five months.

However, he did begin this term brightly, featuring in all five of Rovers’ games before the suspension of the season.

Farrugia is left-footed – a rare commodity at this level.

Meanwhile, he’s featured in a wing-back role this term which displays his versatility – something Pompey manager Kenny Jackett admires about a player.

Jamie Lennon – St Patrick's Athletic

If it is an all-action midfielder Pompey are on the lookout for then Lennon could be the man.

Last season, according to Wyscout, the 22-year-old topped the player charts for defensive duels won with 245.

Lennon also underlined he’s someone who can make things tick while in possession as he played 264 passes into the final third – the second-best in the league.

The former Shelbourne youngster was selected to feature in the Toulon Tournament for Ireland under-21s last summer.

He’s under contract at St Pats until 2022, which suggests they’ve protected their asset and expect bids to come their way in the future.

Daniel Mandroiu – Bohemians

As exciting talents go in the League of Ireland, Mandroiu is up there.

The creative midfielder had been at Brighton for five years but left last year without make a single first-team appearance.

The decision to return to his homeland has proved fruitful, though.

Last term, the 20-year-old scored 14 goals in 34 outings for Bohemians, earning him the honour of PFAI Young Player of the Year, as well as winning a place in the PFAI Team of the Year.

After Chelsea played Bohemians in a friendly last summer, Mandroiu reportedly attracted Championship sides but remained at Dalymount Park.

He’s also got off to a flying start this term, bagging three goals in just five matches.

A Republic of Ireland under-21s international, Mandroiu is out of contract at the end of the year.

If it’s a quintessential number 10 Pompey need then he could be the candidate.

Liam Scales – Shamrock Rovers

The defender is someone Pompey fans might already be familiar with.

Scales was with UCD last summer when the Blues thrashed them 11-0 in a pre-season friendly.

However, the centre-back didn’t feature and was the subject of interest from Bristol Rovers at the time.

The move failed to materialise, although the Republic of Ireland under-21 international has since joined Shamrock Rovers after UCD were relegated in October.

Scales is a left-footed defender, something that Jackett was keen on in the January transfer window and a defensive attribute which hasn't been replaced since the sale of Matt Clarke.

He featured in each of the Hoops’ five games before the season was suspended.

Tyreke Wilson – Waterford

The 20-year-old is another who’s found himself back in Ireland after a spell in England.

Wilson was part of Manchester City’s academy for four years and joined them on their pre-season tour to America in 2018 before switching to Waterford in January.

Although the Covid-19 outbreak has stunted his hopes of regular senior football, the left-back started all four of the Blues’ games this season.

He’s shown his attacking intent from full-back, whipping in 13 crosses as well as winning 31 defensive duels.

Wilson’s also got experience of playing against Football League opposition, having played in the EFL Trophy during his City days.

He’s been capped by Ireland at all age groups.