Mick McCarthy gives verdict on Portsmouth's Ronan Curtis' chances of Republic of Ireland recall

Eire boss Mick McCarthy has been keeping a close eye on the Pompey winger’s scintillating form since being omitted from his country’s previous squad.

Curtis has been capped three times for Ireland but found himself left out of their 25-man set-up for the last international break in November.

The winger’s dip in form at the start of the season meant he was surplus to requirements for their 3-1 friendly win over New Zealand and 1-1 Euros qualifier against Denmark in Dublin.

Curtis has reacted in superb fashion, though, and helped propel the Blues into the League One play-off places.

He’s registered 13 goals and eight assists so far this campaign and was rewarded with a new three-and-a-half year contract yesterday.

Ireland have a crunch play-off clash in Slovakia next month as they bid to reach this summer’s Euros.

And Curtis is in McCarthy’s thoughts to be involved in his squad.

Speaking after Pompey’s 4-2 win over Barnsley, the ex-Ipswich boss quipped: ‘He scored against my hometown club but I won’t hold that against him.

‘Seriously Ronan has been in great form of late.

‘He’s got 12 goals this season and he was the (PFA) League One Player of the Month for November and December so he is right back in contention for a call-up for the Slovakia game.’