CHERRIES star Harry Arter is convinced he has “improved” after becoming a victim of boss Eddie Howe’s ruthless streak.

Arter has starred in Cherries’ recent revival since winning back a starting berth for the 1-0 win at Newcastle United earlier this month.

A combination of injury and a dip in form saw him restricted to one brief substitute appearance during a five-match spell between the end of September and the end of October.

Midfielder Arter is tomorrow hoping to line up against Burnley and play his 250th game for Cherries – 196 of which have come under Howe.

The Premier League clash coincides with Howe’s 40th birthday, with Arter having played for the Cherries boss during his two spells in the hot seat.

Put to him by the Daily Echo that sentiment has never been a consideration in Howe’s team selection, Arter said: “I found that out this season when I wasn’t involved in a few games.

“He can’t afford to hold personal feelings towards players and I think that is pretty obvious for every player.

“I don’t think anyone would ever assume they are going to play because of their past or whatever their relationship is with him.

“I am old enough to realise I am in a professional game at the highest level and, if I am not performing well, I am not going to play.

“This is probably the first season I have had to taste that throughout my career here and playing under the gaffer.

“It has been a good learning curve and I feel I have improved from that period.

“Managers have to be ruthless at times and I understand that. It is a good quality to have. Every top manager has it and every player has to accept it.”

Arter admitted Howe’s departure to Burnley in 2011 had had an adverse effect on his own playing career and was delighted when he returned 18 months later.

“I was really disappointed, not in him but with the situation,” said Arter. “I understood why he moved at the time.

“I just felt I was progressing really nicely and was enjoying my football. We were doing well and the club seemed to be on the up.

“Lee Bradbury came in and hit the ground running. He carried on what Eddie had been preaching and we were unlucky not to reach the play-off final.

“It must have been hard for Lee moving straight into management during the season but he did very well in his first year.

“Paul Groves then came in and, straight away, I didn’t feel the fans had too much confidence in him and that seeped into the players a little and our performances.

“When Eddie came back, the whole place was lifted. You could feel a different atmosphere throughout the stadium in his first game against Tranmere.

“It changed the players’ mindsets and was just what we needed. We haven’t looked back.”