Cherries’ Arter playing through the pain for Ireland

Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter fears he’ll need an injection to get through Republic of Ireland’s final game of the season against Austria.

The World Cup qualifier on Sunday could prove crucial to his country’s hopes of reaching the finals in Russia in 2018, Ireland are currently joint top of their group.

Arter was on top form in Ireland’s 3-1 win over Uruguay on Sunday and another win would move them seven points clear of Austria after six games.

And the 27-year-old admitted he was happy to play through the pain to help his country qualify for their first World Cup since 2002.

“I’ve got a slight little problem with my ankle at the moment,” he said.

(Photo by Andrew Surma/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

“It probably requires an injection at the end of the internationals, but it’s nothing too important. It was just a little bit of soreness.

“I’m mentally strong enough to put niggles like that to one side. In the past, I’ve unfortunately missed out on a few trips through injuries that I’ve been unable to play through.

“When I can play through something, I’m more than prepared.

“(Victory) would put us in a great position, it will be a long summer individually and collectively if we don’t get a positive result, so fingers crossed.”