Curtis: I’m staying put
Curtis keen to reach higher level in future but wants to go up with Pompey
RONAN CURTIS looked ahead to January and declared: I’ ll be going nowhere.
The Republic of Ireland international’s future has been much discussed throughout every transfer window since he arrived at Pompey in June 2018.
Twelve months ago, Blackburn were in pursuit of his signature, while Brentford had their eye on the winger during the summer.
The likes of Derby and Leeds have also been linked with him in the past.
Curtis has again been a key player in the Blues’ latest League One promotion push.
He’s scored eight times in 25 appearances, while his assist for Ryan Williams’ second goal at Ipswich on Saturday was his seventh of the season.
The former Derry man is one of Pompey’s prized assets and his consistent goalscoring involvement suggests he’d be able to make the grade in the Championship.
Potential suitors may again show interest when the January transfer window opens in just more than two weeks’ time.
Curtis admits he does want to test himself in the second tier during his career.
But the London-born ace, who signed a new deal until 2023 earlier this year, says he’s not looking at departing next month – and is determined to be promoted with Pompey.
Curtis told The News: ‘We want to get there as a team and stride on.
‘Everyone in the changing room, everyone wants to get to the Championship.
‘Any player would be silly to say they don’t want to test themselves at the next level.
‘We’re doing well and hopefully we get to the end of the season and do it.
‘I want to better myself and get to the Premier League one day but hopefully we go up here.
‘I’ve got to start here, hopefully we go up and then see what happens.
‘One hundred per cent I want to make it to the next level. I’m here and I’m not looking anywhere else.
‘Hopefully, we’ll be there at the end of the season and do go up.’
Pompey are aiming to return to the Championship for the first time since 2012.
And Curtis knows the city would be ‘buzzing’ if that is achieved.
He added: ‘ The city and the fans would be absolutely buzzing going into the Championship with 18,000 at home if fans are allowed back in.
‘I love the city, I love this club and they’ve been nothing but good to me. I repaid them back by signing a new deal and hopefully this is the year we go up.’