Sam Curtis enjoyed a dream debut for Chesterfield on Sunday as the Republic of Ireland under-21 international found the net in a 2-2 draw against MK Dons on the day his loan move from Sheffield United was confirmed.
Earlier on Sunday, Chesterfield had announced a trio of loan signings including Curtis and the Navan, Co Meath native went straight into the starting line-up for their League Two clash.
On 67 minutes, and with Chesterfield trailing 2-0 at MK Dons, Curtis headed in a free kick delivered towards the far post to pull one back, before being substituted with 15 minutes to go. Former Northern Ireland striker Will Grigg netted the equaliser in stoppage time.
"Delighted to make my debut here today," Curtis told Chesterfield's club channel.
"(The loan) was in the making for a good while, for a good couple of weeks. I had good conversations with the manager and he was really keen to get me in. I was really keen to come in as well.
"So it's been a really easy transition. I'm only in two days or so but all the lads are really, really sound, a good group of lads and I know a few lads here like (John) Fleck and Dylan (Duffy), so as I said, it's been an easy transition and that's always helpful as well, especially coming straight into a game like this.
"It's good to be able to mould into the team quite quickly."
🎦 Sam Curtis met with the media after making his debut for the club against MK Dons.
— Chesterfield FC (@ChesterfieldFC) January 4, 2026
Watch the full interview here 🔽#Spireites
Curtis' move to Chesterfield, which will run until the end of the season, marks his third loan transfer from Sheffield United since joining the Blades on a permanent deal from St Patrick's Athletic two years ago.
The 20-year-old has had previous loans at Peterborough United in League One and at Scottish side St Johnstone, having made just two appearances to date for his parent club - including a Premier League debut against Everton in May 2024.
The young right back began his playing career for Shamrock Rovers II, before making the switch to Pat's where he went on to win two FAI Cups and the PFAI Young Player of the Year award for 2023.
Curtis has been capped 15 times for the Ireland under-21s, having featured regularly at every age grade from under-15s onwards.
Chesterfield are currently in play-off contention in League Two.
