Portsmouth's Ronan Curtis: Republic of Ireland breakthrough won't stop me being humble

The Pompey winger has collected a second Republic of Ireland cap in five days as his rapid progress continues.

That second appearance '“ and a debut in a competitive fixture '“ arrived as a 65th-minute substitute in Monday night's clash with Denmark.

The goalless draw in Aarhus was the final Nations League fixture of the campaign for Martin O'Neill's men.

Curtis will now return to the south coast for Thursday morning training ahead of the trip to Scunthorpe on Saturday. 

And the 22-year-old is adamant his Republic of Ireland breakthrough will not alter his attitude.

He told The News: '˜I'm just keeping my feet on the floor, I'm a humble boy.

'˜I've come from nothing and still have nothing at the minute. Just because I'm a footballer in England doesn't mean anything.

'˜I'm doing well at the minute, I'll take it as it comes, ride the storm and see what happens.

'˜It's every kid's dream to play for their country and I'm lucky enough to do it within six months of being at Portsmouth.

'˜To be fair, when I left Derry I didn't think I would be doing as well as I have been at the minute. I have been working hard on the training ground and it's all clicked.

'˜Words can't describe making my debut. As a kid growing up that's all I wanted to do, to play football, to play for my country.

'˜I'm an international footballer now and it's a dream come true.

'˜Both my international games meant as much as each other, but to get my actual debut on Monday night was amazing. Coming on against Denmark, that was the real one.

'˜Facing someone like Christian Eriksen, one of the Premier League's top, top players was amazing.'

Curtis has scored six goals in 17 appearances following a summer switch from Derry City.

Now he is establishing himself in a Republic of Ireland set-up which also contains Roy Keane as assistant manager.

He added: '˜Roy Keane is a lovely man. Everyone knows he was a hot-head when he used to play, but he's an old-school player who loves the game and is passionate.

'˜He talks to me a lot and before I went on for my debut said 'Just work hard and do what you've done for Portsmouth in the last four months'.

'˜I look up to him as an experienced ex-pro. All week he had been speaking to me, saying I might get my chance and to take it, to take it in my stride because I'm a young player and had earned it.'