Republic of Ireland international Ronan Curtis reveals reason behind drop in Portsmouth form

Ronan Curtis believes a loss of confidence was behind his drop in Pompey form.
Ronan Curtis celebrates his goal against Northampton (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)Ronan Curtis celebrates his goal against Northampton (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Ronan Curtis celebrates his goal against Northampton (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)

But the Republic of Ireland is hopeful a goal and assist on his return to the starting line-up can kickstart his Blues campaign.

Curtis shone in an excellent attacking display, as Kenny Jackett’s side put Northampton to the sword with a 4-0 win.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The 24-year-old has found himself on the bench for the past two games, after struggling to hit some of his previous Pompey highs this term.

And Curtis admitted his self-belief was dented, as he failed to hit the levels he’s shown he can achieve.

He said: ‘It’s probably confidence that’s been the issue when you’re an attacking player like myself.

‘You want to assist goals or score goals and that hasn’t quite happened for me at the start of this season.

‘You think you can do it but know it hasn’t happened.

‘All you can do is keep plugging away and plugging away.

‘Players like myself get a bit disheartened.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘You’re sat on the bench thinking that you’re working hard, so it’s not your fitness levels. It’s just confidence.

‘I watch the games back and think you could have done this or that better.

‘Sometimes it’s easy for players to overthink their own performances.’

After impressing against Northampton and with Michael Jacobs out of the side for up to six weeks, Curtis is confident he can build on his showing at Fratton Park last night.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And the task for him is to get his goal tally into double figures, as he has in his previous two seasons.

He added: ‘Hopefully now this kickstarts my season and I can get into double figures again.

‘It’s frustrating and you can get down when you’re not doing what you are in the team to do.

‘But this has kickstarted things and I’m looking forward now

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘When it does finally happen your confidence will grow more and more.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

The News has launched a new subscription offer which gives you unlimited access to all of our Pompey coverage.You can subscribe here to get the latest news and transfer updates from Fratton Park - and to support our local team of expert Pompey writers.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.