Arter open to Ireland return after Keane row

HARRY ARTER is keen to return to the Ireland squad for the next round of international fixtures following his heated argument with Roy Keane, with captain Seamus Coleman acting as a peace broker.

Arter, who is expected to have his say on the row later this week, rejected a call up when he was named in the squad for the League of Nations game against Wales and last night’s friendly in Poland, but he has been in touch with both Coleman and manager Martin O’Neill to try and solve the problem.

One of the reasons given for his reluctance to join up with the Ireland squad was the argument he had with assistant manager Keane during their summer training camp, although O’Neill stressed there were other issues, in the player’s personal and professional life following a move to Cardiff City on deadline day, behind the decision.

Keane was furious with both Arter (pictured) and Jonathan Walters for missing training sessions because of injuries back in May and a leaked audio message from Stephen Ward has put a graphic and expletiveridden account of the argument into the public domain this week.

That version of events has been rejected by O’Neill but he admitted the bust-up had soured Arter’s relationship with Keane.

That is likely to mean the pair will have to meet each other to resolve matters before Arter can return to the squad. Ireland face Wales and Denmark in Dublin in October.

Arter is one of the few Ireland players starting regularly in the Premier League and has earned all of his 13 caps under O’Neill, who met the midfielder to discuss his future before this international break.

Coleman has also been in contact with the 28-year-old to play a part in easing the tension and the players are willing to accept him back into the squad.