Portsmouth winger Ronan Curtis goes agonisingly close to first Republic of Ireland goal in defeat to Finland

The Pompey winger came off the bench in Eire’s 1-0 Nations League defeat in Helsinki.

Curtis was called up to Stephen Kenny's set-up on Sunday night after the squad was decimated because of coronavirus issues ahead of their game against Wales earlier that day.

He replaced Wycombe's Daryl Horgan in the 75th minute of the clash with Finland.

And the 24-year-old went agonisingly close to snatching Ireland an equalier in stoppage-time.

Curtis’ header in the dying embers was superbly saved by the keeper, much to his frustration as he was denied a maiden goal for his country.

The former Derry ace will now return to the south coast ahead of Saturday's League One clash with Doncaster at Fratton Park.