Thompson: Portsmouth forward so reminiscent of Millwall team-mate Jed Wallace

Ben Thompson surveyed another stunning Ronan Curtis showing and insisted: He reminds me of Jed Wallace.
Ben Thompson has praised the attacking talents of Ronan Curtis. Picture: Joe PeplerBen Thompson has praised the attacking talents of Ronan Curtis. Picture: Joe Pepler
Ben Thompson has praised the attacking talents of Ronan Curtis. Picture: Joe Pepler

Pompey eased into the next round of the FA Cup following Saturday's comfortable 4-0 success at non-league Maidenhead.

Thompson opened the scoring with his maiden Blues goal, assisted by man-of-the-match Curtis' left-wing cross, as they avoided any potential embarrassment.

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Afterwards, the former Derry City forward left to link-up with the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of games against Northern Ireland (November 15) and Denmark (November 19).

Ben Thompson has praised the attacking talents of Ronan Curtis. Picture: Joe PeplerBen Thompson has praised the attacking talents of Ronan Curtis. Picture: Joe Pepler
Ben Thompson has praised the attacking talents of Ronan Curtis. Picture: Joe Pepler

For Thompson, Curtis' style is reminiscent of Millwall team-mate and former Pompey favourite Wallace.

Wallace, who left Fratton Park in May 2015 for Wolves, scored in the Lions' 4-3 defeat on Saturday.

And Thompson believes Curtis is also capable of the Championship stage.

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He said: '˜Ronan's not short of confidence, the boy, not short of confidence at all. That's what makes him the player he is.

'˜He'll get the ball, lose it four times, but the next time you know he's going to beat a player, cross it in and someone is going to score or he is going to put it in himself.

'˜That's the type of player he is.

'˜I've played with Jed Wallace and he's like that, he thrives off confidence. Gets the ball, loses it, he doesn't care, he'll just go and get it again and do what he wants with the ball and make things happen.

'˜That's why Jed's such a good player and turning out in the Championship.

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'˜He's a great player and bits of Ronan remind me of Jed, so he needs to keep working hard and hopefully can be up there with him.'

Curtis is still awaiting his senior bow for the Republic of Ireland, despite recently breaking into their squad.

They face Republic face Northern Ireland in Dublin on Thursday in a friendly encounter, before taking on Denmark in the Nations League (November 19).

Fortunately for Pompey, the only domestic feature he misses is Tuesday's Checkatrade Trophy clash with Spurs Under-21s.

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And Thompson continues to be impressed by the Irishman's Fratton Park impact following his summer move.

He added: '˜Ronan's done well. He's only just come over and it's his first season in League One.

'˜It's always tough to come to a new club in a new league '“ and it's a high-quality league '“ and he has coped with it well and really made an impact to the team.

'˜Ronan put the ball in for my goal and that's what he's known for, a good delivery and good quality. He's just going to keep getting better and better if he keeps working hard.

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'˜He's now got the opportunity to play internationally and that can really help his career. He just has to stay focused and make sure he works hard '“ and hopefully can get an international appearance.'