Ronan Curtis: League One football with Portsmouth won't hinder my Republic of Ireland ambition

The left winger was handed a maiden Republic of Ireland start in Wednesday’s National League draw against Bulgaria.

It represented Curtis’ sixth cap since making his senior debut two years earlier.

All of the 24-year-old’s international appearances have arrived while on Pompey’s books in League One.

Since arriving on the south coast from Derry City in May 2018, his career has continued to flourish.

A double in Saturday’s 4-1 triumph over Crewe took his tally to 34 goals in 110 Blues appearances, lifting his team into fourth place.

And despite playing his football in League One, he believes that won’t hinder international recognition.

He told The News: ‘For me, I can continue being selected for my country at Pompey.

‘I was the only League One player in the international camp and obviously the higher you go up, the easier it is to get into the national team.

‘I have been in there for squads a few times now and I’m in League One, so it has been all right to be fair.

‘At the minute I am doing well, I’m scoring, I’m in Stephen Kenny’s eye line, and hopefully that continues.

‘Being at Pompey hasn’t held me back so far. Hopefully this year we go up and it makes it easier for me.

‘As long as I keep scoring and keep assisting I am doing something right and hopefully the (Eire) manager can pick me.

‘After my full debut, he told me that I’d played well and to just keep doing what you are doing at club level. Go out and prove your point.’

Despite playing 86 minutes for the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday night, Curtis was handed a Pompey start against Crewe.

He would feature for the entire 90 minutes in the 4-1 win, even though Football League clubs are now allowed to use up to five substitutes.

Man-of-the-match Curtis netted the Blues’ opening two goals, establishing a foundation which Crewe were never going to overhaul.

It takes his tally to eight in all competitions this season, following a low-key start which saw him briefly dropped after six matches.

He added: ‘My confidence is flying at the moment and being in my own country playing international football was great.

‘There was also coming on against England for 19 minutes, when I did all right.

‘I just have to keep scoring and setting up goals in League One and then, hopefully, in March get another call-up and see what happens.

‘We haven’t won a game yet under the new manager, so there’s a bit of a confidence concern.

‘However, once we get that first goal or first win over the line I think the confidence will come out in the lads and we’ll push on.’

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