BOSS Eddie Howe admitted stumping up £4,000 for Harry Arter had been a “big risk” – but said it had paid off due to the player’s unquenchable desire.

Arter, signed by Howe from non-league Woking in 2010, was last month rewarded for his efforts with an improved three-year contract by Cherries.

The midfielder was spotted by Howe following his release from Charlton and has turned out to be one of the most astute signings in the club’s history.

Arter, who was valued at £30,000 by Woking, has been one of Cherries’ most influential players during their rise from the depths of League One to the Premier League.

His fee was determined by a transfer tribunal with Arter going on to star for Cherries and earn international recognition with the Republic of Ireland.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “We are really pleased Harry has committed his future to us. He has been with us a long time and his contribution on the journey has been vitally important.

“I really enjoy working with him. He is a great character with excellent attitude and application to his work. First and foremost, he is a very talented player.

“He has deservedly had his international recognition as well and we look forward to him spending his best years with us.”

Asked about shelling out £4,000, which Cherries were able to do having had their transfer embargo lifted in 2010, Howe replied: “Whenever you sign a young player, it doesn’t matter what the fee is because there is always a risk and £4,000 was a big risk at that time.

“With young players, you try to see the potential upsides and how much they can improve and what you think they can achieve in the future.

“I would be lying if I said I thought it was a certainty Harry would go on that path. But, as the game has shown us in recent years, you can never rule out anything.

“Harry always had potential because of his ability. The success he has had has been solely down to him. Is it due to his motivation levels, his desire to improve and to keep stepping up to the demands placed upon him. He has been a fantastic signing for the club.”

Arter’s dream of featuring at Euro 2016 was wrecked after he had been ruled out of Martin O’Neill’s squad due to a nagging thigh injury.

Off the pitch, he also suffered a personal tragedy when his fiancée Rachel gave birth to their stillborn daughter in December.

Howe added: “It has been a really demanding year for him mentally. He has faced things that you hope nobody would have to go through.

“His personal situation has also been incredibly difficult. Throughout everything, he has been the ultimate professional and has continued to be a great team-mate and colleague to everybody. We are fortunate to have him.”