Euro 2016 is just around the corner.
To celebrate, ourselves and official sponsor Three, have decided to put together a profile of each one of Ireland’s potential heroes.
Today, we’re looking at the career of Harry Arter.
Here are 5 things you may not know about the midfielder.
He qualifies for Ireland through his grandparents
Arter’s grandparents hail from Co. Sligo and he first represented the Irish side at Under-17 and Under-19 levels. He was first called up to the senior side for the qualifier against Poland in March 2015, but would not make his debut until he came on as a substitute against England.
He made his first start for the national team during last Friday’s 1-1 draw with the Netherlands, and was named man-of-the-match for his performance.
He is the brother-in-law of a former England international
Arter’s sister Carly is married to the former Chelsea, Tottenham and West Ham midfielder Scott Parker. Both players began their careers at Charlton Athletic.
Parker has been with Fulham since 2013.
Arter was quite outspoken on whether or not Jack Grealish should play for Ireland
“If he wants to play for England, then there’s no point in him choosing Ireland just because he feels he has to,” Arter said as Grealish deliberated over his future (before ultimately choosing England. “He’s got to choose what he feels is right.
“I don’t know Jack, I haven’t got a clue what he is thinking, but I’m sure he’ll do what he thinks is right.”
Tragedy struck Arter and his partner last December
Two days before Bournemouth were due to play Manchester United, Arter and his partner’s little girl died during birth. An emotional Arter was named man of the match for the United game, and this image of his manager Eddie Howe embracing him just before full-time was one of the moments of the season.
What can Ireland expect from Arter in France?
He’s a tough tackling midfielder with an eye for a pass and a goal. He was one of Bournemouth’s most consistent performers during a season in which they were never really troubled by relegation.
Still only 26-years-old, Arter has a big future both in the Premier League and for an Ireland side looking for an on-pitch leader.
Brought to you by Three. #MakeHistory
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