NOTHING NEW
I’ve played up front quite a few times in the past, says Curtis
RONAN CURTIS surveyed his stunning Rochdale display and insisted: I’m no rookie striker.
The Republic of Ireland international netted in a manof-the-match performance as Danny Cowley’s side claimed a third successive victory.
With John Marquis suspended, and Ellis Harrison and Jordy Hiwula injured, Curtis was pushed into a central striking role for the Good Friday encounter.
It was an impressive response, with a wonderfullytaken finish marking the Blues’ second goal in the 2-1 success over League One’s bottom club.
Yet Curtis is adamant the position is not new to him, having previously featured there for
Pompey.
And he has backed himself to thrive while carrying out his new responsibilities.
He told The News: ‘It’s not new to me. I’ve played there a few times at my old club, while I made my Pompey debut there against Luton.
‘It’s a bit weird going up there now. I’ve not been up there for a while, but it’s a job, it needs to be done, we haven’t got any strikers.
‘I don’t mind where I play, as long as I can affect the game and bring wide players into play as well as the number 10, getting the goals and assists as
Derry as well as well. I played there quite a few times for Derry until we got a main striker in, then I went back onto the left. We played a 3-5-2 with somebody alongside me.
‘As a striker, when the chances come you have to be ruthless, you have to take them, you have got to stand on the opposition’s throats at the time.
‘It’s also about selfless runs to create space for your teammates – and that’s what I was trying to do on Friday.
‘Stay on the back shoulder of the centre-half and make darting runs in behind for (Ryan) Williams, (Michael) Jacobs and (Marcus) Harness to get on the ball.
‘That’s what they did in the first half, they got on the ball – and that’s where the chances came from.’
Curtis, who netted his 11th goal of the campaign on Friday, will retain his place at Wigan on Easter Monday.
With Marquis missing for another two matches, he continues to be required for the striking role.
Curtis added: ‘My goal was all right. It was a lovely pass from Crackers (Jacobs) through to me, I took a couple of touches and hit it through the defender’s legs and into the far corner. The keeper had no chance.
‘I don’t mind where I play, on the left, on the right or down the middle. I will do a shift for my mates.
‘Hopefully I can get more and more now for the season.’