HARRY Arter needs an injection in his troublesome ankle – but he will delay the procedure until after Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifying clash with Austria next weekend.

A combination of injuries ruled Arter out of Cherries' final game of the Premier League campaign and he required treatment during the Republic's 3-1 victory over Uruguay in Dublin on Sunday.

The 27-year-old was named man of the match as the Irish overpowered their South American opponents, then voiced his frustration at criticism aimed in his direction for a perceived lack of dedication to the Irish cause.

"I've got a slight little problem with my ankle at the moment," said Arter.

"It probably requires an injection at the end of the internationals, but it's nothing too important. It was just a little bit of soreness.

"I'm mentally strong enough to put niggles like that to one side. I've unfortunately missed out on a few Ireland trips through injuries that I've been unable to play through.

"When I can play through something, I'm more than prepared to do that.

"I've felt my commitment levels have been judged a little bit unfairly and one thing I've always said to myself was that I wouldn't say too much to the press about being judged on my commitment.

"I'll just try to perform on the pitch and show when I play that I'm 100 per cent committed."

Prior to the Uruguay game, ex-Ireland international trio Denis Irwin, Richard Dunne and Keith Andrews claimed they would exclude Arter from the team for the meeting with Austria.

The three men had changed their tune post-match but that didn't stop redoubtable pundit Eamon Dunphy from hitting back in his Irish Daily Star column – and passing a pithy verdict on Arter's fellow midfielder Glenn Whelan.

Dunphy, a midfielder capped 23 times for Ireland between 1965-71, wrote: "I was stunned to hear all three announce they wouldn't pick Arter, and that they'd give yet another cap to Glenn Whelan.

"This is madness. Surely the penny has dropped with football people by now that Whelan isn't up to it?

"Arter was excellent when Ireland beat Austria in Vienna last November.

"He's had a very good season in the Premier League and there's a nice mixture to his play. Arter can pick a pass and play with intelligence, but there's a bite and spark to him as well.

"He isn't afraid to put himself about and Ireland will need midfielders with his qualities next Sunday. It should be a no-brainer for Martin O'Neill."

Boss O'Neill's team lie second in qualifying Group D, level on points with top-of-the-table Serbia and four ahead of pursuing duo Wales and Austria.

"I try to learn off Glenn," added Arter. "He's played a lot at this level – and for a lot longer than me – so he has great experience. I feel we really complement each other well.

"Winning on Sunday would put us in a great position. It'll be a long summer if we don't get a positive result, so fingers crossed."