Portsmouth News

Getting jeered by fans has made me stronger - Curtis

In-form winger: Now they are cheering me on every week

- By JORDAN CROSS

RONAN Curtis has told how the jeers made him stronger as he celebrated winning over Pompey fans.

And the Republic of Ireland internatio­nal has insisted he’s putting some difficult moments this season firmly behind him after celebratin­g signing a new three-and-ahalf year deal at Fratton Park.

Curtis is in outstandin­g form for the club he joined from Derry City in 2018, with the goals and assists flowing for the 23-year-old.

It represents quite a turnaround for the winger after his struggles at the start of the campaign, which culminated in him being withdrawn to jeers and ironic cheers against Bolton Wanderers in September.

There’s no lingering resentment from Curtis over that incident, however, just pleasure at the manner in which the Fratton faithful are showing their appreciati­on for his current form.

Curis said: ‘I love the club to pieces.

‘Even when we were going through a sticky period and weren’t winning games at the start of the season, it was the same.

‘We don’t even need to go back to what happened with the fans. It makes you stronger and you fight back from it. ‘We all go out to give 110 per cent. If it’s not good enough, we hold our hands up. ‘It happened to me. I got booed off the pitch, jeered off the pitch. Whatever you

Ronan Curtis has featured in all of Pompey’s last 15 league encounters

Picture: Joe Pepler want to call it.

‘I’ve come back stronger and now they are cheering me on every week. I can say I’ve done it.

‘I’m happy. I keep going, keep my head up and stride. Never look back.’

Curtis has now played in 15 League One games on the bounce as he takes a central role in Pompey’s promotion charge.

The gap between sixthplace­d Pompey and the two automatic promotion places is down to just three points.

Kenny Jackett’s side will look to make it a club record nine wins on the bounce at Tranmere Rovers tomorrow, and Curtis sees no reason why the climb can’t continue.

He added: ‘The gaffer picks the team and it’s great that I’m in it.

‘Hopefully I can stay in it and keep helping us up the table.

‘We’ve got a couple of games in hand and three on Peterborou­gh, who are a couple of points ahead of us.

‘It’s there for us, so hopefully we can keep climbing and catch them.’

 ??  ?? IN THE GOALS Ronan Curtis, centre, is mobbed by team-mates after scoring against Barnsley last month.
IN THE GOALS Ronan Curtis, centre, is mobbed by team-mates after scoring against Barnsley last month.

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