REPUBLIC of Ireland legend Ray Houghton reckons Harry Arter can bounce back from his Euro 2016 heartache and establish himself on the international stage.

Cherries star Arter, 26, seemed destined for a seat on the plane having impressed in Friday’s 1-1 draw with Holland but a thigh injury cruelly ended his dream.

The setback arrives at the end of a stop-start first season in the Premier League in which he was restricted to 22 appearances by groin, hip and Achilles problems, delaying the rapid rise of a player who was representing Woking just six years ago.

But Houghton, who made 73 appearances for Ireland and won a place in his nation’s hearts with a winning goal against Italy in the 1994 World Cup, insisted there was no reason for Arter to see this as his only shot at tournament football.

Houghton told the Daily Echo: “It is such a shame and one of the worst ways to miss out in many respects. I wish him a speedy recovery because he seems a good lad with a bright future.

“Harry is someone who can cope with the pressure of it. I think he settled into the squad reasonably well and have been told he is a good person to have around, that he mixes well with the group.

“Now, he just needs to get his head down, get fit again and play well for Bournemouth. That will enhance his chances of playing a part in the World Cup qualifiers, which will be huge as well.

“Whenever you lose out, it is always very hard to take but I hope he isn’t too despondent about it. These knocks come, you have to get over them as best you can and I am sure he will.”

Arter was praised for a man-of-the-match display on his full debut for the Republic against the Dutch and Houghton, who covered some Cherries matches for TalkSport last season, saw enough to consider him a star of the future.

“It was a good season at Bournemouth, a lot went well for everyone at the club. Harry played his part and he has a lot to offer,” said Houghton.

“He’s a good athlete, a strong communicator and is good on the ball. He can spot a pass and pop up with a goal.

“I watched him against Holland and he did okay. Perhaps he needs to be a little more pro-active in possession but that will come with more games.

“He did well and was in with a chance making the squad. He will miss it, certainly. Tournaments are a great experience for any player, especially those who have not been to one before.

“It is part of growing up and can really make you as a player. He would have developed because when you go away and you’re in that environment, you learn a great deal about yourself and how you handle it all.

“The fact he’s not going to have that means he will inevitably miss out but the lads will tell him all about it and when he gets his chance, he will want to make sure he is fit and firing for the World Cup qualifiers.”