Portsmouth trio have a new Republic of Ireland boss to impress

Mick McCarthy has stepped down as Republic of Ireland boss, with Stephen Kenny replacing him with immediate effect.

The change of managers was due to take place at the beginning of August, with McCarthy’s contract expiring on July 31.

Kenny steps up having impressed in charge of Ireland’s under-21s.

With the Euros 2020 been pushed back a year, however, Eire decided on the switch earlier than planned.

Ireland were due to face Slovakia in a play-off match last month but that was postponed amid the coronavirus pandemic..

Curtis was hoping for a recall for that clash, having impressed McCarthy since being omitted for games against New Zealand and Denmark in November.

The winger has scored 14 goals in Pompey’s League One promotion push.

Curtis has won three caps since making his debut against Northern Ireland in November 2018.

Marcus Harness was also on McCarthy's radar, while Norwich loanee Sean Raggett also has aspirations of representing the country his father is from.