Ronan Curtis on why an Ireland return was essential - until his Portsmouth summons

Although the winger remains in the dark when Pompey’s players will be next congregating at their Hilsea base.

Curtis spent four weeks in the Republic of Ireland after opting to accompany his parents to their Donegal house.

With three acres of land at the family home, he insists social distancing was observed while maintaining fitness through running, cycling and other activities.

SEE ALSO: Curtis: I cannot see Pompey's League One season resuming

However, Jackett’s desire for Curtis to return to the south coast meant the 24-year-old departing the Emerald Isle on Friday.

He said: ‘I spoke to the gaffer and he wanted me back.

‘I was there for four weeks, working hard and training, it was good to be there. I caught the overnight ferry back to Liverpool on Friday evening.

‘I’m not sure when we’ll be training again, but it was time to come back, which is fair enough.

‘There was no football going on and, while trying to stay fit and going out running along the roads, the beach and seafront I’d get stopped by people.

‘They wanted to talk to me and were asking for photos, but it was getting too much in terms of trying to keep up my fitness.

‘You are not going to be rude and ignore them, they are your fans at the end of the day and I always have time for the fans.

‘There’s nothing in it, they are trying to see how you’re keeping through this tough time, but the need to train was my reason for going home.

‘Back home there was none of that because everyone knows me anyway, so I was doing bike rides, running and playing a little bit of football with my family and brothers.

‘No-one will stop you there, there are four houses in my mum and dad’s road and they have three acres of land, so I do my own training on that.’

Curtis had received Pompey’s permission to last month return to Ireland.

And he insists he followed all social distancing guidelines during his four weeks away.

He added: ‘No-one was at risk at all.

‘I was staying fit at the same time, I was seeing my family and my little girl as well.’