IRELAND INTERNATIONAL HARRY Arter has received a ringing endorsement from Jack Wilshere after he inspired Bournemouth to victory over Everton at the weekend.
The 26-year-old, who is pushing his cause to be included in Martin O’Neill’s side for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, produced a man-of-the-match performance on Saturday, starring for the hosts in their 1-0 win.
Arter provided the assist for Junior Stanislas’ winner as he stole the show in a midfield area occupied by the likes of Wilshere and fellow England international Ross Barkley.
And speaking to reporters after the game, Wilshere, who is on loan at the Vitality Stadium from Arsenal, was full of praise for Arter.
“He is definitely up there with some of the midfielders I’ve played with,” Wilshere said.
“I have played with some top midfielders but it says a lot about a player when you are not at a big club like Arsenal and you are putting in performances like that.
“If he wants to, I’m sure he could go onto bigger clubs. But I’m sure he is enjoying his time at Bournemouth – the fans love him, the manager loves him and he’s got everyone’s respect at the club.
“He is going to be important for us if we want to climb up the table.
“You see with a player like Ross Barkley, Harry didn’t give him a second. He didn’t let him turn, he didn’t let him do his stuff and I’m sure if you ask Ross he will say they are the worst type of players to play against. You hate them.
“You turn and he is there. You think you have beaten him and he comes back at you, so it is horrible to play against.”
After injury shattered his hopes of playing at Euro 2016 during the summer, Arter has been quick to rediscover his form and has started all six of Bournemouth’s opening league games.
His performance on Saturday saw him singled out for special attention on Match of the Day, with Martin Keown saying ‘he’s a player that gets better every time I see him.’
“He’s a real driving force, he can play, don’t worry about that. He can see a pass. If an opportunity comes his way he’ll take it,” the former Arsenal defender said.
Arter has made just three appearances for Ireland since making his debut against England in June 2015. His international career has been plagued by injuries but now that he’s back to full form and fitness, the midfielder is doing his hopes of breaking into O’Neill’s XI no harm.
After drawing 2-2 with Serbia in Belgrade, Ireland’s World Cup campaign continues next month with games against Georgia and Moldova on 6 and 9 October.
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