Ronan Curtis responds to Portsmouth boss' claims his future lies as striker

The Republic of Ireland international insisted he be can effective as a centre forward in a role he sees as his ‘natural’ role.

Kenny Jackett last week stated he sees the winger switching position in years to come and operating through the middle.

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And Curtis is in agreement with his manager he could do just that – now.

He said: ‘I don’t mind where I play, as long as I can play and help out my team-mates.

‘I’m naturally a striker, though, before I came here and that’s my history.

‘When I played at Derry it was through the middle and sometimes on the wing.

‘When Portsmouth were watching me they saw me playing on the wing, so they signed me to play on the wing.

‘I don’t mind playing there at all. I’m confident I can do a job there at this level, and as long I’m helping the team out I don’t care.’

A move into a striker’s role doesn’t look imminent for Curtis, with Pompey’s other natural choice in the position, Michael Jacobs, sidelined with a hamstring issue.

Pompey’s out-and-out strikers in John Marquis and Ellis Harrison aren’t firing at present in terms of goal return, while Jordy Hiwula hasn’t been used in the league since November.

Curtis added: ‘I could 100 per cent lead the line here.

‘But we’ve got two or three out-and-out strikers here already.

‘So maybe it would be hard to get a place there at the moment.

‘I’ll keep biding my time, though, and if I’m needed there I’ll do the best I can.

‘Then again if it’s staying on the wing that’s fine, too.

‘You have to back yourself anywhere you play on the pitch.’

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