Gallen confident Ronan Curtis is fully focused on Portsmouth despite Brentford links and Republic of Ireland omission

The Blues' assistant boss also believes the winger is capable of breaking back into the Republic of Ireland squad while plying his trade in the third tier.

Curtis enjoyed another fine Fratton Park campaign last term, registering 14 goals in 45 appearances.

He attracted attention from Championship side Blackburn in January, while Brentford have been eyeing him as a potential replacement for Said Benrahma this summer.

Certainly, Curtis appears able to make the grade in the second tier given his hurtling progress since arriving from Derry in 2018.

But Gallen feels the 24-year-old is settled on the south coast, despite Pompey suffering play-off defeat for successive years, and fully focused on spearheading another promotion push.

Gallen said: ‘I think his focus is solely on Pompey.

‘He signed a longer contract not long ago, loves playing for Pompey and living here. The crowd and him have got a very good connection together.

‘Ronan has played very well for the two years he's been here, scoring 12 and 14 goals in two seasons respectively, while there have been plenty of assists on top.

‘He always gives his all and has a great attitude. He's got big determination and will be busting a gut to get back into the Ireland squad.

‘He feels the love between the club and himself and I think he's focused on getting Pompey up.’

Curtis was delivered a blow when he was left out of the Republic of Ireland squad for their Nations League matches against Bulgaria and Finland.

The forwards selected ahead of him in Stephen Kenny's set-up are all featuring regularly in either the Premier League or Championship.

Gallen reckons Curtis can fight his way back into the Eire side, though, if he hits flying form in League One.

Kenny Jackett's right-hand man added: ‘Ronan will be disappointed but he has to knuckle down and work hard to get noticed again.

‘I'm pretty sure the Ireland manager knows Ronan from when he was playing for Derry and he was in charge at Dundalk.

‘Ireland have quite a few attacking options who are playing regularly in the Championship and above.

‘But everyone who knows Ronan will believe he can fight back and I wouldn't put it past him being in the next squad.

‘If he's playing well at a big club like Pompey, in front of 18,000 when everything gets going again, then I don't see why he can't force his way back in.’