Finally, the rumours around Harry Arter’s international allegiance can be put to bed, as he has been named in the starting eleven for Ireland’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Austria in Vienna.
Although Arter has already made a number of appearances for the boys in green, these all came in non-competitive fixtures which meant that technically he was still eligible to play for the country of his birth, England.
The rumours of this supposed switch of allegiances first arose during Ireland’s World Cup qualifying fixture against Georgia last month.
Speaking to Tony O’Donoghue during the week, Arter was mystified to as where the rumour had originated.
“I’m not too sure where it came from (the rumour). I was actually in the cinema with my girlfriend at the time and when I came out I thought someone was on my phone and put out a message saying I didn’t want to play for Ireland anymore.”
The rumour in fact, was deemed so insignificant by Arter, that he didn’t think it warranted the release of a statement to allay the fears of the Irish footballing public.
“It was a strange situation and one that I kind of laughed off in the end. It was one I felt didn’t deserve me to come out and give any sort of answer to as it was not something that I created. For me it was a little bit silly and in the end I chose to ignore it.”
This is all well in the past as far as Arter is concerned and he is looking forward to making his competitive debut against Austria.
“It will be a very special moment for myself and one that I will try not to focus on too much before the game but after the game it will be something that I will look back on with a lot of pride if I am to play. So fingers crossed I will.”
After his debut in Vienna, Irish fans will breathe a sigh of relief safe in the knowledge that Harry Arter’s international future will be played out in a green shirt.
You can watch the full interview here.
Harry Arter starts – the Bournemouth man spoke to @Corktod about his pride at pulling on the green shirt #RTEsoccer https://t.co/fkv5iNwjRP
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 12, 2016
