BOSS Eddie Howe believes Harry Arter’s international career is only just beginning and is tipping the midfielder to bounce back from his Euro 2016 disappointment.

Arter’s hopes of featuring in France were wrecked when he was ruled out of the Republic of Ireland squad due to a nagging thigh injury.

The 26-year-old had looked destined to be selected by manager Martin O’Neill after playing a starring role and being named man of the match in a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands just days before the squad was announced.

Having won his first cap when he came off the bench against England in June 2015, Arter’s international aspirations were checked by a groin problem which sidelined him for the first five months of last season.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “I would like to think this is just the start for Harry. If he maintains his performance levels and keeps improving, there is no reason why he shouldn’t have a long international career.”

Asked for an update on his injury, Howe said: “We hope he will be able to join in from day one and he will be fine.

“We hope there are no adverse effects from his withdrawal from the international scene. It was only a minor injury so we consider him to be fit.”