Republic of Ireland man Ronan Curtis reveals crucial moment which has changed direction of Portsmouth's season ahead of Charlton clash

The Republic of Ireland international revealed how discussions among players and staff after the poor start to the season have been the catalyst for the Blues’ resurgent form.

Kenny Jackett’s men take on in-form Charlton tomorrow on a run of six wins from seven games, which has lifted them to fifth in the table.

A total of 18 goals have arrived in that time, which is in sharp contrast to the six goals in the opening six games - with five of those efforts arriving against Stevenage and Colchester in the first two games.

Pompey failed to put a win on the board in the first four league games, but have catapulted their season forward since with their winning run.

And Curtis feels some honest words among the first-team ranks has been behind the improvement.

He said: ‘The fans are fans and they love the club. They want the best for us, they want to win and they want to go up.

‘We want the same thing. It’s been hard but we’ve now put in a lot of shifts and hard work.

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‘All of us know what to expect and we’ve had a good couple of results, home and away.

‘We sat down and looked at what can change and what can get us promoted.

‘We looked at what can we change ourselves to do it. It was all of us which wanted it.

‘We sat down, let our feelings out and showed our true colours.

‘It’s all come together now as a result - and that’s good.

‘It’s one big family now. There’s so much banter around the place and you need that.

‘We need it surely. I think we’ve seen changes now as a result - and this can be our year.’

There’s a sharp incline in the challenges Pompey have to overcome now, with Chartlon arriving at Fratton Park off the back of four wins on the bounce.

Then it’s Lincoln who are next on the agenda, who’ve powered to the League One summit off the back of seven wins and a draw from nine games.

Curtis feels their rivals should be worrying about the threat Pompey pose than vice-versa, however.

He added: ‘We’ve got some tough games coming up against good sides and we know what to expect.

‘But we are a good side as well, so we shouldn’t fear them - they should fear us.

‘We’re looking forward to the challenges.

‘We’re a massive club with great, great players. We know what we expect of each other - so it’s going to be tough for them.’

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