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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Paul O'Hehir

Ireland midfielder Harry Arter drops into non-league football

Ireland international Harry Arter has dropped into non-league football.

The midfielder has signed a short-term loan deal with National League side Notts County from Nottingham Forest.

Arter, 32, moves until the end of the season and said: "The move came about from friends in the game who knew what I'd find enjoyable.

"With the season coming to an end, I want to go out with a bang. It's been a very disappointing season for me, as it was last season.

"Football careers, and life in general, can be short and I want to enjoy everything to the maximum.

Harry Arter (©INPHO/Ryan Byrne)



"It's going to be a different level and environment for me to get used to. And the first game will be the hardest because it will be going into the unknown.

"But I will be putting myself forward to be playing as soon as possible."

Arter made his name at Bournemouth but hasn't played first-team football since November when he had a brief spell at Charlton.

Last season at Nottingham Forest, he made 14 appearances but didn't play for them again beyond January.

Arter has 19 caps for Ireland and his last appearance came off the bench for Stephen Kenny in the 4-0 friendly win over Qatar last October.

He said of his Notts County move: "I don't want to go somewhere where I'm not going to contribute and I'm not going to enjoy.

"I've no doubts about that in my head.

"I haven't played for a while now and naturally players have a fitness edge when they're match fit. I have to take into consideration my age.

"It hasn't been great going in at the end of every week knowing there's no game for me. But Andy Reid (the former Irish international) has been great for me as Forest's 23s manager."

Notts County boss Ian Burchnall said: “We’re delighted that the opportunity to sign someone of Harry’s pedigree has presented itself to us.

“This move was instigated by Harry himself, which demonstrates his character and determination to play competitive football.

“We’ll obviously have to build Harry’s minutes gradually but with so many games coming up in quick succession we’re confident he’ll be up to speed quickly and will be a big help to us.”

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