Former Portsmouth striker hails 'confident' Ronan Curtis and his Blues impact following Ireland return

Guy Whittingham has hailed ‘confident’ Ronan Curtis and the impact he has on Pompey.
Ronan Curtis celebrates his second goal against Crewe.  Picture: Joe PeplerRonan Curtis celebrates his second goal against Crewe.  Picture: Joe Pepler
Ronan Curtis celebrates his second goal against Crewe. Picture: Joe Pepler

The winger scored twice on his Blues return against Crewe, after being away for more than 10 days with the Republic of Ireland international squad.

His involvement in the Eire set-up saw the 24-year-old come on as a second-half substitute against England at Wembley and feature from the start against Bulgaria as Stephen Kenny’s side played three games in between Pompey’s FA Cup trip to Ipswich (November 7) and Saturday’s 4-1 win against the Railwaymen.

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It lead to concerns that Curtis might have been fatigued heading into the Blues’ latest League One fixture and possibly rested.

But former Pompey striker and manager Whittingham said featuring for your country would have mitigated such fears.

He believes Kenny Jackett would have seen a bursting-with-pride Curtis following his return to Fratton Park – hence his decision to play him from the start.

Meanwhile, his confidence and presence would have rubbed off on his team-mates, too.

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Speaking as a pundit on BBC Radio Solent on Saturday, Whittingham said: ‘It’s a huge confidence boost for him (Curtis) to go away for your country and for him to have such a part to play in their last game.

‘He’s obviously feeling very confident and that’s why Kenny Jackett decided to play him.

‘At his best, Curtis gives your team creativity, he can score goals and create goals, he’s got a great delivery from free-kicks if you want them from corners, too, and when he works hard, tracks back, he also gives you that side of the game.

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‘He's very competitive and he wants the rest of his team-mates to be up to his level.

‘That’s what he gives you when he’s at his very best.’

Curtis’ first-half double against Crewe took his goal tally for the season to eight.

He’s now scored five goals in as many game as his recent good form – following a below-par start to the campaign – for the Blues continues.

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