HARRY ARTER'S hopes of making the Republic of Ireland squad for the Euro 2016 finals appear to have been dashed by injury.
The Bournemouth midfielder, who damaged a thigh muscle in training at Turner's Cross on Monday evening, is understood to have left the team base in Cork hours before manager Martin O'Neill was due to finalise his 23-man party for the tournament in France. Arter's misfortune will come as a blow not only to the player, but to O'Neill too after he impressed in last Friday night's 1-1 friendly draw with Holland.
The manager is also sweating over the fitness of skipper Robbie Keane, who suffered a calf muscle injury in training last weekend, and midfielder James McCarthy, who was unable to play any part against the Dutch last week or Belarus on Tuesday evening because of a thigh problem.
Shay Given, meanwhile, became Ireland's longest serving international when he was handed a 134th cap in the final Euro 2016 warm-up clash with Belarus at Turner's Cross. The 40-year-old keeper eclipsed Johnny Giles' record of 19 years and 202 days as manager Martin O'Neill made 11 changes to the side which drew with Holland.
That meant starts for Cork native David Meyler, three days after he helped Hull regain their Barclays Premier League status and a start for defender Ciaran Clark, who sat out training last week with an ankle problem.
