DAN Gosling revealed how the Cherries dressing room had united in a pre-match prayer and given Harry Arter "a standing ovation" for his display against Manchester United.

The Republic of Ireland international gave a fully-charged performance for 80 minutes of Saturday's 2-1 Premier League victory over the Red Devils just days after the death of his child at birth.

Arter remained determined to play and was at the hub of a rousing show before being replaced by Eunan O'Kane amid a flurry of emotions during the latter stages.

Midfield colleague Gosling lifted the lid on how the Cherries squad had rallied round their team-mate, coming together with club chaplain Andy Rimmer before kick-off and then rising to show their admiration for Arter's part in another triumph that stunned the football world.

Gosling told the Daily Echo: "We had a little prayer before the game. Andy came in to do it and we were all together afterwards as well.

"After Junior's first goal, we all went over to H and it was very emotional. When he came back in, he got a standing ovation because to play in the manner he did under those circumstances was a great testament to him and his family.

"We hope he and his partner can move on from this tragedy and one thing they can count on is that we will be there to support them every step of the way."

Gosling reckons that acclaim from Arter's peers should be replicated beyond the club's boundaries after a determined display that defied his personal devastation.

"It was around 7.30 on Thursday morning when Harry put out a message to the lads explaining what had happened," recalled Gosling. "I just couldn't believe it.

"But he still came in, trained and showed great professionalism. He has been a great credit to himself and his family – to put on such a great performance said it all about the type of character he is.

"I think it was right he got taken off when he did. Understandably, his emotions were coming to the surface but after 80 fantastic minutes in which he made some very important tackles in the box, I hope he gets plenty of plaudits for the way he played. He certainly deserves it."

And Gosling believes the club's unity can only flourish after their show of togetherness.

"This club has the best team spirit of any I have been involved with," he added. "We have to look after him over the next few weeks and that stretches to all of the wives and girlfriends looking after his partner. We are all close and pulling together at a time like this will only bring us even closer."

Gosling himself put on another eye-catching show as Cherries backed up their victory at Chelsea with another sizeable scalp.

"Last week was probably more of a shock," he added. "With the number of injuries they have it was a good time to play Manchester United.

"At times, I think we played some great football, especially after half-time because the first half was difficult, they kept the ball very well and were organised.

"Overall, I think we deserved to win both games and they can give us great confidence to kick on now."