Joe Gallen: Keeping Ronan Curtis at Fratton Park so important for Portsmouth ambition

As appears customary in transfer windows, the Republic of Ireland international can be expected to attract admiring glances.

This time last year, Reading and Blackburn were pursuing Curtis, who responded by instead signing a fresh three-and-a-half year deal to remain at Fratton Park.

He has continued to impress with the Blues, scoring eight goals in 24 appearances this term, although is presently self-isolating following a coronavirus scare.

Overall, the 24-year-old has netted 34 times in more than a century of Pompey outings since arriving in May 2018.

And Gallen is keen the Blues are able to continue calling upon Curtis to boost aspirations of reaching the Championship.

He told The News: ‘Of course it’s important to keep a player like him (Curtis).

‘Like a lot of players, he is very important to this team and loves it at Pompey. He desperately wants to get the club promoted, like we all do.

‘We have a very committed bunch.

‘His form has been very good this season, he has played very well.

‘Ronan has a lot of heart and a lot of passion for this club, he’s scored some good goals, some important goals and created some goals, that’s what Ronan lives for.

‘He is a big part of the team, a big part of the club and a big part of us trying to be successful.’

Curtis is not under consideration for tomorrow night’s Papa John’s Trophy trip to Peterborough.

Although the Blues are hoping he can be available for Fleetwood on Saturday – dependent on the outcome of any coronavirus test.

Gallen added: ‘We are trying to get a little bit away from the winger part for our midfielders, coaching and explaining to them that we really want them in the midfield line as opposed to up alongside John.

‘On Sunday we played with a midfield four and Ronan, Marcus Harness, Michael Jacobs and Ryan Williams are the players normally in the wide positions.

‘But it is wide of midfield, as opposed to winger.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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