Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett has backed Ronan Curtis to win back his spot in the Ireland squad.
The former Derry City forward has failed to make the cut for Mick McCarthy’s squad proper ahead of the New Zealand friendly and key Denmark Euro qualifier.
Curtis, 23, has three caps to date and was named in the initial 39-man provisional squad but is not among the eight forwards to survive the cull.
Last month, he was in the squad to face Georgia and Switzerland but was replaced by Brighton teennager Aaron Connolly after suffering a hamstring injury.
Curtis missed five games for Portsmouth but is back in form and Pompey boss Jackett said today: “It was a bit of a surprise.
“I talked to Ronan about it on Friday morning and he will be disappointed. But what he needs to do is keep up his good recent form.
“We feel he has an upturn in form and, being out of the Ireland squad, he can really concentrate here and help the team climb up the table.”
Speaking to the ‘Portsmouth News’, Jackett continued: “That is the way to get back in the Ireland squad.
“He has had a taste of it and he should be pleased with himself after coming out of the League of Ireland.
“Ronan is strong enough to overcome it. He’s had a taste of getting into the Ireland squad and will be wanting to get into it again. He is capable of doing it.”
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