Republic of Ireland midfielder Harry Arter is targeting a swift return to fitness and Premier League safety for Bournemouth as he looks to end a hugely challenging season on a high.
Arter suffered personal tragedy last December when he and his partner lost their baby at birth.
The 26-year-old was ruled out of Ireland’s friendly games against Switzerland and Slovakia due to and achilles injury, returning to his club to undergo treatment last week.
The double-header was seen as a golden chance for Arter to force his way into O'Neill's Euro 2016 plans but he will now hope for another shot at selection when the Netherlands come to Dublin in May.
"It's not been the best of seasons with my personal life and with injuries," Arter told the club's website.
"I have enjoyed it when I have been fit, I feel I've played well enough as I've stayed in the team and we've got some good results.
"But looking at it from the bigger picture it hasn't been one of my favourite seasons."
"It's not been the best of seasons with my personal life and with injuries"
The Cherries are 12 points clear of the drop zone and all but certain of Premier League football next season.
Eddie Howe's men have been quietly impressive in their first ever Premier League campaign, and Arter is confident they can kick on after the current international break..
"It's a good little break for everyone - they'll come back next week refreshed and keen to get more points in the run-in," he added.
"March was a really good month, everyone looks at the next bunch of fixtures and sees on paper they're more difficult, but as a group we won't approach them any differently.
"Being 12 points clear (of safety) there is a different feel to these games, but the desire to win is the same, maybe even more so.
"The manager will be more determined than ever not to let up and for us to get the points, so we'll be 100% prepared. We need one or two more wins to guarantee our safety, which would be a fantastic achievement."
