Ronan Curtis: Portsmouth wins more important than my individual feats

The Pompey forward ended an eight-game barren streak in his side's 2-0 victory over Walsall last night.

Following a scintillating start to his Blues career following his arrival from Derry City, netting six times in his opening 11 games, Curtis went on by far his longest spell without scoring before the Saddlers' visit to Fratton Park.

Yet his 49th-minute strike moved him level at the top of Pompey's scoring charts alongside Gareth Evans, Jamal Lowe and Oli Hawkins '“ who broke the deadlock on 25 minutes '“ on seven apiece.

The 22-year-old has won rave reviews this campaign and recently earned his maiden Republic of Ireland senior cap.

And although he was delighted to be back among the goals, Curtis stressed team results are far more important than his individual achievements.

He said: '˜It was a bit of a relief 100 per cent because we all know how your confidence can go up and down.

'˜But I was glad to get back on the scoresheet and hopefully can continue it.

'˜I want to be producing for the team and setting up as many goals as I can. It's a team game and I'm here for the team '“ it's not all about me all of the time.

'˜For my goal, ball came in and I just swivelled on it.

'˜The keeper got a hand it but there was too much power on the shot to save it '“ it was a good enough finish.

'˜I had a couple of chances beforehand. One just flew past the post and I was unlucky not to have scored to.

'˜But I'm not complaining and I'm happy to have scored one.'

Pompey's victory kept them four points clear of second-placed Sunderland at the summit of the League One table.

Walsall arrived at Fratton Park in confident moving, having clinched a draw against the Black Cats on Saturday.

Curtis insisted the Blues recognised the threat Dean Keates' men posed.

And he revealed how Jackett's troops' hard work on the training ground in the build up paid dividends.

'˜It was a comfortable enough win in the end,' Curtis added. 

'˜We knew they were a good side. They've got good wingers and a good striker up top. 

'˜We knew what we needed to do. In training, we worked on getting into the box, arriving at that right time. 

'˜I arrived in the box at the right time and I managed to get the goal.'