Portsmouth winger Marcus Harness backed to make Republic of Ireland breakthrough

Kenny Jackett is convinced the Blues forward can join Ronan Curtis in the Eire set-up if he continues his barnstorming form.

And it's understood that his successor, Stephen Kenny, has also been keeping tabs on the ex-Burton man following his blistering start to the season.

Harness has recorded seven goals and four assists in just 14 appearances and transformed himself into Pompey's talisman.

Yet he was overlooked by Eire for a friendly against England at Wembley later this month, as well as Nations League matches with Wales and Bulgaria.

Curtis, meanwhile, was named in Kenny's 24-man squad, having been called up late during October’s international break.

Jackett believes gaining international recognition comes down to the form that players display at their club.

And if Harness can keep up the high standards he’s been setting, it won't be long until Ireland come knocking.

Pompey boss Jackett said: ‘Marcus will be in their thoughts, I'm sure.

‘He will be in the manager and the scouts' selection process and they will be watching him.

‘It all does come down to club form and Marcus Harness' club form is very good.

‘It very much depends what the squad needs and the balance of the squad as well for the manager.

‘It all comes down to doing well for your club and both Marcus Harness and Ronan Curtis are doing pretty well for their club at the moment.’

Curtis will be aiming to win his fifth senior cap when he meets up with Eire next week.

The winger was drafted into Kenny’s squad on short notice last month after a spate of positive Covid-19 cases in the camp.

Curtis didn’t just make up the numbers, though, and almost headed home a late Ireland equaliser in their 1-0 loss to Finland.

Jackett heaped praise on the ex-Derry man for forcing his way into his country’s plans, having had a spell out of their set-up last season.

He added: ‘Congratulations to him, he is playing well and scored the third at Lincoln.

‘It is good for us to have any internationals - particularly senior internationals is a good achievement to have.’

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