HARRY Arter admitted he had struggled to keep a lid on his emotions while witnessing Cherries fall to consecutive defeats.

The talismanic midfielder was suspended for losses at Brentford and Nottingham Forest having picked up his 10th caution of the season against Huddersfield a fortnight ago.

The 25-year-old is in contention to return against Blackburn at Dean Court tomorrow (3pm) and hopes to help Cherries return to winning ways.

Arter told the Daily Echo: “In a way, it's a lot harder to control your emotions when you are watching. I thought it might be a little bit easier than it proved to relax and watch.

“While I was watching the Brentford and Forest games, I felt like the emotions were even stronger. It's almost worse because you feel you can't help the team.

“I'd say us not winning was the most frustrating thing. I felt we deserved to get something out of both games and it was disappointing to see.

“I don't really have any regrets (over any of the cautions). I'm passionate about playing and winning and I know sometimes that will get the better of me but I feel I've improved that in recent years.

“I feel if I took that out of my game, it would affect me.

“Luckily for me, the ban came at a point where we had two games in quick succession so I haven't lost any fitness or sharpness. If selected against Blackburn, I will be itching to get out there.”