Ronan Curtis seeking to create Portsmouth history

Ronan Curtis could tomorrow become the first Pompey player to appear in senior international football since Mustapha Dumbuya.
Ronan Curtis on Republic of Ireland under-21 dutyRonan Curtis on Republic of Ireland under-21 duty
Ronan Curtis on Republic of Ireland under-21 duty

While, in terms of UK and Republic of Ireland national sides, the winger would be the first since Liam Lawrence in May 2011.

Curtis has been called into Martin O'Neill's side for tomorrow night's friendly against Poland in Wroclaw.

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The former Derry City player had netted for the Republic of Ireland under-21s in their European Championships qualifier draw with Kosovo on Friday.

Ronan Curtis on Republic of Ireland under-21 dutyRonan Curtis on Republic of Ireland under-21 duty
Ronan Curtis on Republic of Ireland under-21 duty

He is now suspended for Tuesday's under-21 encounter with Germany '“ however, remains available for the senior squad, prompting a maiden call-up.

Since the Premier League years, Pompey representatives in national sides have become rare feats.

The last time it happened was October 2012, during Dumbuya's brief Fratton Park presence.

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The right-back spent four-and-a-half months on the south coast, amassing 26 appearances, before released in January 2013.

Signed by Michael Appleton as a free agent for the 2012-13 League One campaign, it was a short stay which also heralded his Sierra Leone debut.

Dumbuya appeared in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier taking on Tunisia in October 2012, missing Pompey fixtures against Wycombe (Johnstone's Paint Trophy) and Crewe.

His Sierra Leone bow finished goalless '“ and represented a sole outing for them during his Blues career.

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Meanwhile, it has been more than seven years since Pompey had a representative in a senior team from either England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland.

Lawrence earned five Republic of Ireland caps while on the Blues' books, the last of which arriving on May 29, 2011, against Scotland.

The right-sided midfielder featured for 62 minutes before replaced by Seamus Coleman in the 1-0 victory, Robbie Keane the match-winner.

He subsequently served as an unused substitute in another four international matches, the final squad involvement coming in October 2011 when Eire defeated Andorra 2-0.

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He never played for his country again, reaching 15 caps and two goals.

Lawrence totalled eight goals in 58 appearances for Pompey, before departing in August 2012, having agreed to terminate his contract.

As for Curtis, he has enjoyed an impressive start to life at Pompey, with five goals and three assists in six League One outings.

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