The demand on Ronan Curtis as he faces battle for Portsmouth starting spot

And the Republic of Ireland international has been lauded for his match-changing impact in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Plymouth.

Curtis found himself on the bench for the second game in succession after not getting any playing time at Charlton on Tuesday.

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The 24-year-old replaced the injured Michael Jacobs after an hour and then got on the scoresheet with four minutes left.

Jackett believes he now has the capability to keep the goals flowing, with his rival to start in Jacobs injured.

He said: ‘I’m pleased he got his goal and that will lift him. It will give him a lot of heart and belief.

‘He has (got a battle on his hands) but he’s capable.

‘He’s the type of players who’s capable of going on a scoring run. That’s been proven in the time he’s been here.

‘Hopefully he can go on that run and that will help the team to be successful.

‘For Ronan, he came on as one of the two forwards and a big strength of his is scoring goals, so we want him to get on that run now.’

Jackett had praise for the way Curtis responded to be taken out of the starting XI when he got on the pitch on Saturday.

He added: ‘He scored a good goal, chased things down, got down the sides and got on to lost causes.

‘He was unlucky at the end not to get another one when he was trying to find the goal.

‘I’m pleased with him and for him.

‘He’s been a good player for us and we need him.

‘I did think he showed a lot of character and caused them problems.

‘He got in good positions and kept going.’

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