Portsmouth forward Ronan Curtis has been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of Tuesday's friendly against Poland.
The 22-year-old has been part of the Noel King's U21 squad, scoring in the 1-1 draw with Kosovo on Friday.
A yellow card picked up in that game meant he is suspended for the upcoming fixture against Germany on Tuesday night. He has now been brought into the senior set-up as Martin O'Neill tries to bolster his attacking options.
The former Derry City man has been in scintillating form this season, netting five times in six games since joining League One side Portsmouth during the summer.
🎥 | Ronan Curtis secures point in Kosovo with great strike! 🙌#IRLU21🇮🇪 striker @RonanCurtis1 finds the bottom corner to level the UEFA U21 European Championship qualifying game! 💪
Great finish! #COYBIG 👏 pic.twitter.com/McSqUwldBt— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) September 7, 2018
O'Neill will hope that he can carry this form into the Poland game, injecting some life into an Ireland team that looked devoid of any attacking impetus in the 4-1 defeat to Wales.
An already injury-stricken squad has been further depleted, with Stephen Ward returning to Burnley to seek treatment on a foot injury.
Words can’t describe how am feeling right now about getting the call up for my country it’s a dream come true #ROI 🇮🇪💚
— Ronan Curtis #11 (@RonanCurtis1) September 9, 2018
The defeat in Cardiff has cranked up the pressure on the Ireland manager, with many questioning the team's direction under the O'Neill and Keane.
Photo by Oliver McVeigh/Sportsfile
