ONE year on, the pain remains for Harry Arter.

It should have been one of the happiest days of his life, but instead the Cherries midfielder was engulfed by grief after his daughter, Renée, was stillborn.

Staggeringly, days later the midfielder gave a highly-charged, tireless performance against Manchester United in the Premier League, helping his side secure a memorable 2-1 triumph at Dean Court.

It was a mark of the man that he did not let tragedy stop him from doing a job for his team. And not just any old job, a great job.

The fixture at Burnley tomorrow marks a year since Arter's personal loss and plans have been put forward by Clarets supporters to applaud the Republic of Ireland international in the eighth minute – reflective of his Cherries squad number – in a show of solidarity.

And boss Eddie Howe, whose comforting of Arter has become an enduring image of the win over Manchester United, has spoken warmly of the mental fortitude shown by the 26-year-old in developing into one of the top flight's form players.

Responding to questions from the Daily Echo over Arter's current standing in the game, Howe said: "It says a lot about his mental strength to deal with tragedy and to show the strength which you need to come back and fight and go again.

"He will never forget what happened and neither should he but it's a case of dealing with the emotions and the grief and trying to use it as a positive way to influence the rest of your life.

"I have been so impressed by him and his ability to do that. The strength of character he showed to play in the Manchester United game I thought was incredible.

"You could see the emotion. The pictures of me and him by the side of the pitch are well documented. It was a really emotional time for both of us but he managed to hold it together to play, which defied the odds.

"The pain lives with him every day but he's been able to control it and use it as a motivation to further his career and play in honour of his daughter, which speaks volumes for him and his family and how they have conducted themselves."

Asked if he had seen any difference in Arter's approach to training this week, Howe said: "I'd say I haven't. Harry has matured, as most players do as they get older, and his training levels have been very good. He is a very consistent trainer, he wants to train and his mentality towards his training has improved.

"I haven't seen an emotional response in the build up to this game, although I'm sure we will closer to kick-off in the sense it will come to him. But, hopefully, he will use it in a positive way."

A matter of months after Renée's death, Arter raised just under £14,000 for 4Louis, the charity which provided a memory box for him and partner Rachel.

Asked if Arter had earned greater respect as a result of his conduct in the past year, Howe added: "I think so, from everybody.

"I think respect for him has grown immensely around the world of football. From his own team-mates, from us as coaches, from the Bournemouth supporters – I think his relationship with the supporters is as strong as it's ever been.

"They have seen the journey he has been on and they recognise he has matured and the things he has had to fight for and go through, and they applaud him for that.

"He has a really good family behind him, first and foremost, they are the ones who have really stood beside him.

"Then of course his wider family, including us and his team-mates, it's been great to see how everyone has protected him and looked after him.

"The world of football deserves a mention because he has had lots of messages from well-wishers. Lots of people can identify with the same tragedy in their lives."

Reflecting on the expected applause for Arter, Howe added: "I think it's great to see the Burnley fans doing their bit. It's a side of football which isn't really documented but the sportsmanship and the camaraderie there is still evident to see."