Last weekend, Bournemouth pulled off an upset win against Everton. Harry Arter was one of the main architects of the victory. The midfielder was described as magnificent, inspirational and outstanding by the English media. On Saturday night's Match of the Day, his performance was underlined with its own segment.
Two of those impressed with Arter's form are Jeff Stelling and Paul Merson. The two appeared on a Sky Sports Facebook live video today hailing Arter. So impressed are they with the 26-year-old, they want him to play for England.
Why shouldn't he get a call-up to the England squad asked Jeff Stelling, completely unaware that Arter has three caps for Ireland. Merson agreed, the only barrier to a call-up he believes is the club for which Arter plays.
Stelling and Merson on Harry Arter playing for England
Jeff Stelling: Gareth Southgate names his first England squad this week. Is there the remotest chance that Harry Arter could be in it? And if not, why not?
Merson: Exactly. Why not? He gets on the ball. He plays. He's a good footballer, a very, very good footballer. He's got loads of energy. Something's got to change with this England squad. What's the point in just picking the same team? If you pick the same players, you and me might aswell go and do it. Give these players a chance
Stelling: Jack Wilshere said Harry Arter is right up there with any of the midfielders he's played with.
Merson: He's played with some top drawer ones. It's the problem of where these players play. They're playing at Bournemouth or Watford like Troy Deeney. Will they get picked for England playing for those teams? For me, it's unfair.
Arter was born in London but qualifies to play for Ireland through his Sligo-born grandparents.
Arter's three Ireland appearances have all been in friendlies. His debut was against England last year and his second cap versus the Netherlands in a pre-Euro 2016 warm-up. An injury prevented what would have been an almost certain place in the Euro 2016 squad. His third Ireland cap came in Robbie Keane's final game for Ireland against Oman back in August.
As none of these games have been competitive internationals, there is a chance Arter could switch his allegiance but that would seem unlikely. Also, as Stelling and Merson appeared completely oblivious to Arter being an Ireland international, it's likely they were not making that argument.
Forward to the six minute mark to see Stelling and Merson discuss Harry Arter.
