Portsmouth's Ronan Curtis targeting shining on World Cup stage with Republic Of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland tonight face Serbia (7.45pm) and then host Luxembourg on Saturday as part of their pathway towards Qatar 2022.

Curtis is once again part of Stephen Kenny’s squad, with six caps already to his name.

The 24-year-old links up with the international squad on the back of a man-of-the-match display against Ipswich, when he contributed two assists.

Irish duty rules him out of Pompey’s trip to Shrewsbury on Saturday as Danny Cowley strives to build on that encouraging start to their regime.

In the meantime, Curtis is focused on his country.

He told the Derry Journal: ‘Being back with the squad and with the lads is an amazing feeling.

‘It’s seven times now I’ve been called up and to be called up for World Cup qualifiers is a really good achievement and something I should be proud about. My family is really proud about it too, it’s an amazing feeling.

‘We have a big couple of games coming up and we need to do the best we can to get a couple of results which will help us qualify for the World Cup.

‘I’m really looking forward to it and the squad is excited for the game. I’m excited and confident and looking forward to playing for Ireland again.’

Stoke’s James McClean has recently been sidelined with a foot injury, yet took part in Ireland training sessions on Monday.

Should he fail to declare himself fit, Curtis could be given a left-wing chance.

He added: ‘Everyone here wants to play. It’s a big squad so someone has got to be left out. We’re a team and we’ve all got to be ready and itching to get on that pitch when called upon.

‘Last year was a tough one to go without a win and going through the whole covid situation so it was really hard for players, staff and the management.

‘This time around we’ve got a good depth to the squad and hopefully we can turn that around and get that win.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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