Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter has admitted that he was pleased to make his comeback from injury in the League Cup defeat to Liverpool.
The Republic of Ireland international made his first start of the season in the 1-0 defeat at Anfield on Wednesday, having been out of action for five months with an ankle injury, and played 70 minutes on Merseyside.
Arter has said that he enjoyed being back in the first team for a game of such importance.
"You appreciate playing football so much when you're injured. You take it for granted when you're playing regularly," he told BBC Radio Solent.
"When my number came up on the substitutes' board, I was quite happy to come off. I'd hit the point where I felt I'd probably done enough. The gaffer realised that and took me off.
"It was unbelievable to be back out there on an unbelievable ground and against a fantastic team. As much as it was always going to be a difficult game, it was a nice one to come back into. The last five months have been really frustrating, but it makes you appreciate it."
Arter scored nine goals in 47 appearances for Bournemouth last season as they won promotion from the Championship.
Steven Toplis
