Harry Arter feels he has finally won the trust of Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill in the wake of Saturday’s 1-0 win over Austria.
Ireland’s win in Vienna moved them two points clear of Serbia at the top of Group D and gave O’Neill’s squad a terrific platform from which to try and secure qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Bournemouth midfielder Arter made his competitive debut for Ireland in the win over Austria and he was delighted that his manager had placed his faith in him.
“I suppose I always thought that was part of the reason that I hadn’t played so much in the past,” said Arter.
“I had to just keep on working hard with Bournemouth and I’m really grateful that he has given me my chance. Thankfully we got a positive result and hopefully he was happy.”
With Everton’s James McCarthy missing through injury, Arter was given a chance to start and he performed admirably as Ireland made it three wins from four games in this campaign.
Next up is a potential crunch battle with Wales at the Aviva Stadium in March. Arter knows that a lot of water must pass under the bridge before he can start to look towards that game.
“There are another four months to go before that game, and a lot of football to be played for me between now and then,” he added.
“All of us have club games and personally I feel that’s where the manager will pick you from. But obviously it’s good to be part of a team that has won.”
Ireland are 2.75 to win Group D outright, while Wales can be backed at 3.60.
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