Roy Keane confident Harry Arter will get over his Euro 2016 setback

By Sky Sports News HQ

Image: Harry Arter (R) in action for Republic of Ireland against Netherlands

Republic of Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane is confident Harry Arter will bounce back from his Euro 2016 disappointment and enjoy a bright international career.

The Bournemouth midfielder suffered a thigh injury on the eve of Tuesday's warm-up game against Belarus and has been ruled out of Martin O'Neill's squad for the finals.

Ireland already have concerns about the fitness of skipper Robbie Keane and midfielder James McCarthy, and are not prepared to take a risk over a third player.

Keane said: "There are only so many players you can bring with you who are carrying knocks - and I think Harry's is more than a knock.

Image: Republic of Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane (R)

"It's disappointing, but Harry is a young player and it's only a matter of time that he is back in the group for the next campaign.

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"Anyone here who has played sport, injuries are part and parcel of the game and we had no control over that.

"I've seen him play at club level and he is a good player who can deal with the ball, which really helps in international football because you do get a bit of time.

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"But he'll be back. It's not the end of the world for him."

Arter may have a role to play in the World Cup qualifying campaign which gets under way in September, and he could be joined at some point in the future by Callum O'Dowda.

Image: Callum O'Dowda shielding the ball during Republic of Ireland's game with Belarus

The 21-year-old, who helped Oxford to promotion from League Two this season, so impressed the management team during his time with the Ireland squad that he has stayed on to train with the remaining 23.

O'Dowda made his international debut as a substitute in Tuesday's 2-1 defeat and impressed on a night when not too many others did.

Keane said: "He's a nice kid and he's got a nice way about him. We've previously seen him with the Under-21s, but it's good to get a close look at him.

"He's a confident lad, he has had a good season at club level and it was good to get him on because it's good to work with young players who have not been brainwashed yet."
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