Portsmouth boss tackles fears over losing Marcus Harness and Ronan Curtis to Republic of Ireland

And the Pompey boss isn’t concerned at the prospect of losing the newcomer to Stephen Kenny’s squad along with Ronan Curtis in 2021.

Harness was a surprise face as he travelled to Dublin for Ireland’s 0-0 draw with Bulgaria on Wednesday night.

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The 24-year-old was invited along after pledging his international allegiance to Boys in Green, but was unable to participate in the game with the required paperwork not completed.

Harness’ Ireland involvement raises the prospect of Pompey being dealt a double blow to their wing options, along with Curtis.

The Blues would need a third player called up to postpone a fixture, but have no other squad members currently involved in international football.

Jackett isn’t concerned by that, though, and feels having two players fighting for Ireland call-ups will only benefit Pompey.

He said: ‘It’s good news for Marcus that he’s been invited over to touch base with Ireland.

‘It shows where he is at the moment - on the fringe of it but under consideration.

‘Also, the good thing in the circumstances is he hasn’t missed any football for us, because he was back over this morning and fit and okay for Saturday.

‘I’m pleased for him, and I’m sure being around it for a day or two will encourage him to push on in his Portsmouth career to get some international recognition when the

international matches start again in March.’

The good news for Pompey is there is now no international break until next March.

Any players called up would miss the trip to Shrewsbury on March 27 next year, but Jackett would hope to have winger Michael Jacobs among his options when that date arrives.

The Blues boss highlighted there’s plenty which could happen between now and then.

He added: ‘It is a way off and call-ups happen with other teams.

‘But it’s good to see major internationals being played and Portsmouth players involved. It’s a good thing.

‘A lot depends where we are squad-wise and team-wise by then, too.

‘There’s also the form of the players, as to whether they get called up or not to think about.’

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