Update:
Arter has confirmed he has no intention of switching his international allegiance.
9:03
After Ireland's win against Georgia on Thursday night, Martin O'Neill was asked about rumours circulating that Harry Arter could switch his international allegiance to England.
Arter was unavailable for selection against Georgia due to a groin injury.
The Bournemouth midfielder has three caps for Ireland but they've all come in friendlies - England, Netherlands and Oman. As none of those games have been competitive, technically Arter could decide to play for England, the country of his birth. The 26-year-old qualifies to play for Ireland through his Sligo-born grandparents.
Last night, O'Neill said he was unaware regarding the rumours.
I had no idea. I didn’t know that.
Well he hasn’t played a competitive game for us, so the choice is entirely up to the player.
Arter made his Ireland debut last year - against England. Pulling on the green shirt was not a novel experience for him on that day. Previously, he represented Ireland at various underage levels.
That's him below playing in a UEFA U17 Championship qualifier in 2006.
A change of heart for Arter would appear extremely unlikely going on what he had to say just four days ago.
Speaking to the Bournemouth Daily Echo, he told of the pride he feels whenever he plays for Ireland.
It’s a tough team to get into. James McCarthy wasn’t there last time around (when Ireland drew their opening qualifier in Serbia) and I didn’t get any minutes then. So, hopefully, this time around, if am fit, I will get a few more minutes.
It’s an honour to represent your country. I always look forward to it whether it’s a friendly or a qualifier.
Even though a switch for Arter would appear unlikely, the best thing Martin O'Neill could do is to put the rumours to bed by playing him in a competitive game. Also, given Arter's superb form of late, him being a regular for Ireland should be a no-brainer.
Photo by Matt Browne/Sportsfile
