Ronan Curtis has enjoyed a whirlwind few months since moving to Fratton Park over the summer.
Adapting quickly to life in the English game, he is currently Pompey’s top scorer with five goals from six League One outings.
That has led to international recognition, with Curtis scoring the equalising goal for Republic of Ireland’s under-21s in Kosovo last week.
He was then called into the senior side for the first time, although did not come off the bench for Tuesday’s draw with Poland.
Now back with the Blues and available for this weekend’s trip to Peterborough, Curtis admits that he has to pinch himself when thinking about recent achievements.
He said: “It’s been amazing. Going away with the under-21s and also getting the goal capped a great week for me.
“And then I had the call-up to the senior team and I was over the moon – words can’t really describe it. It was a dream come true.
"I was over the moon – words can’t really describe it."
“All the boys and the staff welcomed me and I really enjoyed myself. Roy Keane said they’d been watching me and this was my chance.
“I didn’t make my debut, but there’s a couple of home matches next month and it would be great to play at the Aviva Stadium.
“It was a shame to miss a Pompey game, but hopefully I can help the boys out with a goal or an assist on Saturday.”
Curtis will now look to return to the Blues side for this weekend’s top-of-the-table clash at London Road.
He said: “It would be amazing to go top and a fantastic achievement for all the lads. It’s a really big game.
“You’re going to have ups and downs throughout the season, but we know what we want to do and everyone’s working hard.
“Jamal Lowe’s playing really well and I think Oli Hawkins has got the most assists in this league, although it’s an all-round team effort.”