Harry Arter targets Euro 2016 place

Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter has stated that he wants to play his way into the Republic of Ireland squad for Euro 2016.

Martin O'Neill's men secured their place in next summer's finals by beating Bosnia-Herzegovina in the playoffs 3-1 on aggregate, winning the second leg 2-0 at the Aviva Stadium on Monday.

Arter, who was an unused substitute for that match, has admitted that he will have to maintain his form if he is to stand a chance of being among the 23 players who will head to the tournament.

"Going back a few years, having the chance to play in a major championship was a million miles away," he told the Bournemouth Daily Echo.

"It's close to becoming a reality but there is still a long way to go because it is a long season. I'm definitely not counting my chickens over being in the squad because I know I've still got a lot of work to do.

"But I would like to think that if I'm playing every week in the Premier League and doing well then I would have a good chance. My main objective is to play for Bournemouth and, hopefully, that will be enough to get me in the Irish squad. If I could get to the Euros, it would be a footballing dream come true."

Arter has won one cap for Ireland.