HARRY Arter is tonight hoping to temporarily play the part of the unkind uncle as Cherries look to regain pole position in the Championship.

Midfielder Arter will be keen to retain the family bragging rights when he renews rivalries with brother-in-law Scott Parker at Craven Cottage.

Arter, whose sister Carly is married to the former England star, was on target in Cherries’ 2-0 victory over the Cottagers at Dean Court on Boxing Day.

A doting uncle to Parker’s four sons Rafa, Murphy, Sonny and Frankie, Arter knows Fulham could be a different proposition on home soil.

Parker played a starring role as the Londoners condemned Cherries’ high-flying Championship rivals Derby to a 2-0 defeat six days ago.

Arter told the Daily Echo: “It will be a tougher game than it was at our place. Although Fulham have been quite inconsistent this season, they can be a really top team when they get their game going, as they showed against Derby.

“On his day, Scottie is the best player in the Championship and they have other top players like Ross McCormack, who they paid £11million for, and Brian Ruiz. We are under no illusions that it is going to be a tough game but it is another challenge I am looking forward to and I am sure the team are as well.”

Arter, who described Parker as a “model professional” and said he’d had a “massive influence” on his career, lived with his sister and brother-in-law in Esher when he turned out for non-league Woking where he was spotted by Eddie Howe.

“My nephews have supported a fair few teams!” laughed Arter.

“They have supported Chelsea, Newcastle, West Ham, Tottenham and now Fulham, all the teams Scottie has played for.

“He is a great player and has performed at the highest level. When I was a kid watching him, I didn’t think I would ever play against him.

“We were both proud to have played against one another on Boxing Day and it was a really good day for the family. It is something I will look back on with a lot of pride when my career has finished.

“For me to have played against him in a competitive game and won was a big mark on how far I have come as a player and how far we have come as a club.

"He said how proud he was of me after the game and how proud he was to have played against me which was a nice touch.”

Also among the crowd will be Arter’s father Terry, a London cabbie, his mother Linda and his brothers.

“I had to get a few tickets on Boxing Day so will leave that to Scottie this time!” added Arter.

“If people wondered where I got my loud mouth from, they should put a camera on my dad in his cab for half an hour!”