World Cup would be "the pinnacle", says Arter

Ireland midfielder Harry Arter says qualifying for the World Cup would be "the pinnacle" of his career.

Arter, 27, was ruled out of Euro 2016 after suffering a thigh injury in training 10 days before the tournament, and the Bournemouth midfielder says that qualifying for next summer's tournament in Russia would help make up for last year's disappointment.

 "Yes, but that aside, even if I did go to the Euros, to play in a World Cup is - I wouldn't say a much bigger competition, but it’s the pinnacle I think for any footballer," he said.

"It's a tournament that's obviously only every four years and for a nation like Ireland to qualify would be a massive achievement, and to be part of a group that could do that would be something that I'd be ever so proud of.

"They're dreams that you have as a young kid, to play in a World Cup, so of course it would be something that I'd be excited about."

Ireland qualified for the World Cup play-offs with a 1-0 win over Wales in Cardiff on Monday, but will be unseeded for the draw on Tuesday, 17 October in Zurich.

Martin O'Neill's side will meet one of Italy, Denmark, Croatia or Switzerland in November's World Cup play-off, and Arter says the squad thrives on big matches against higher-ranked opponents.

"This group always responds to big games and big occasions, this is just another one," he said. 

"You look at Italy in the Euros and Germany just before that in the qualifying campaign - this side has proved that we can beat anyone on our day.

"This was a huge game and a tough game, and we came out victorious. We'll definitely attack the play-off games with confidence.

"We've played against Italy in a game where we had to win, we've played against Germany where we've had to win, and Wales.

"They got to the semi-finals last year and they're a great side, so no matter who we play, it's something where I know we'd have confidence."

Image: Inpho/James Crombie

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