Harry Arter facing Euros race against time

Republic of Ireland midfielder Harry Arter is in a race against time to stake a late claim to a place in Martin O’Neill’s squad of 23 for the European Championship finals in June.

The Bournemouth man missed the friendlies against Switzerland and Slovakia with an Achilles injury, and manager Eddie Howe has raised the possibility Arter won’t return in time to play any further part in the club’s season run-in.

“Harry saw a specialist this week for his injury,” said Howe yesterday. “We are waiting to see the outcome from that before we know whether we will have him back with us this season.”