Keen to impress Ireland boss Mick McCarthy, Portsmouth defender Sean Raggett reveals problem with those 'Raggett for England' chants

But there may have to be some tinkering to the tribute after the Blues defender admitted Republic of Ireland would, in fact, be his first international port of call!

Sean Raggett’s consistency for Pompey has seen his season turnaround after a slow start and form which was impacted by injury.

Now, the Norwich loanee has established himself as a nailed-on starter in Kenny Jackett’s XI which has allowed him to showcase fast-improving form.

An unbroken run of 18 starts is the longest of any first-team player, highlighting how the 26-year-old’s season has gathered pace.

And Raggett’s form in that time has seen the chant grow in recognition of his progress, although the man himself wouldn’t mind it being adapted so he can come to Mick McCarthy’s attention.

He said: ‘I’m half Irish and if there was the choice that’s probably what I’d go for.

‘So maybe we should get “Raggett for Ireland” going instead!’

Raggett’s recognition from fans is a reflection of how far he’s been able to come in a short time at Pompey.

A bizarre sequence of facial, ankle and ligament injuries carried over into a elbow problem after his summer arrival.

The central defender has always maintained confidence, however, he would be able hit a high level of consistency when a run of games arrived - and so it’s proved.

Raggett said: ‘When it wasn’t going so well I was confident I would get back to how I can play.

‘And I still feel I can play a lot better than I am at the moment.

‘So I’m still looking to keep improving and get right back to how I know I can play.

‘I think I can still improve my all-round game.

‘I was out for a long time last season and that made for a tough start this season.

‘But in each game I’m feeling better and sharper. I feel I can keep improving in every area.

‘If I wasn’t confident I was going to go through it I would have gone back to Norwich or stopped playing football.

‘If you don’t have confidence in yourself there’s no point.

‘I’ve always been confident I’ve been able to turn around my season, so it’s nice to see it happen.’