HARRY Arter insists he is not concerned for his place in Cherries' midfield despite increased competition.

The Republic of Ireland international has become of Eddie Howe's most trusted lieutenants during the Dorset club's meteoric rise up the English football ladder.

Boss Howe has brought in Lewis Cook, Emerson Hyndman and Nathan Ake amongst others this summer, with all three capable of playing in central midfield.

However, Sidcup-born Arter feels he will thrive with competition for starting berths at an all-time high.

Asked if he worried for his place in the side, Arter told the Daily Echo: “I wouldn’t say I’m worried. I’ve been here for six years and I don’t think there has been one year where we haven’t signed one or two central midfielders.

“The added competition is something I thrive on – it’s made me the player I am. We all have to rise to the quality the manager brings in and up until now I feel myself and my team-mates have done that.

“That’s probably why Bournemouth have been so successful in recent years. No matter who the manager brings in, the players always rise to the challenge.”

Arter is poised to face his seventh straight season with Cherries having joined for just £4,000 in 2010.