Danny Cowley loves how 'character' Ronan Curtis has taken lead role at Portsmouth

The Blues boss believed the Republic of Ireland winger showed true leadership qualities at a time when the team needed it.

Pompey’s play-off hopes have taken a few telling blows in recent weeks, with three defeats and a draw prior to yesterday’s Fratton Park victory.

And their ability to recover from such beatings hasn’t been helped by the absence of some key personnel in the dressing room.

The likes of Lee Brown, Jack Whatmough and Ellis Harrison – big characters already identified by Cowley in the Blues ranks – have all had to watch on from the sidelines during those recent tough times for various reasons.

SEE ALSO: Curtis: We could have scored four against Bristol Rovers in great response by Pompey players

All three were missing again for the visit of Joey Barton’s Bristol Rovers.

But Cowley believes there absence was made easier by Curtis’ performance.

The 25-year-old took his goal tally to the season to 13 following his 27th-minute strike.

That sealed the win for the Blues who now sit outside the play-offs on goal difference with three games remaining.

But it wasn’t just Curtis’ winner that earned praise from his manager.

Cowley believes the former Derry City man led from the front to ensure the Pompey promotion hunt continues.

He told The News: ‘I thought Ronan Curtis was terrific.

‘He played with so much personality, didn't he!

‘He has so much character and so much personality - and you have to remember it takes so much personality to be noticed in this team.

‘You look at the likes of Lee Brown, Jack Whatmough, Ellis Harrison, just to name a few.

‘They take so much character out of the group, so for him to play with that much character made him a real leader for us on Saturday.’