Vokes fear of gaffers quitting
HARRY ARTER believes he has finally earned the right to be in the Republic of Ireland team.
After missing the European Championships, the Bournemouth midfielder (left) struggled for form on international duty. But a heart- to-heart with boss Martin O’Neill and a key role in the victory over Wales that clinched a World Cup play-off tie against Denmark has given Arter a sense of belonging.
He said: “I didn’t feel I’d contributed to the team. In my mind, I was trying to play well, to try and get on the ball. When that didn’t happen, I let it affect me. It was really disappointing, so I was thankful to the manager for giving me the opportunity in a massive game. I was just pleased to be part of a positive result.
“I’d no regrets against Wales – I ran myself into the ground. To be part of that was great.” WALES striker Sam Vokes is praying his Wales and Burnley bosses do not leave him in the lurch.
The 28-year-old faces the prospect of losing Chris Coleman and Sean Dyche by the time he has faced France and Panama during the international break.
But Vokes, who will lead the line in Paris on Friday night, is desperate to avoid change at club and country – and kick on to the next level.
He said: “I see the similarities with Burnley and Wales, you can see them with the manager and the squad. We are very close, best of mates – that comes from the manager.
“Chris is the glue that holds us together, you’ve seen it over the last few campaigns. The lads are willing to leave everything out on the pitch.
“We’ve read about his future, but we’ve come into camp and have just been preparing as usual.
“There’s been a lot of talk with the gaffer at Burnley as well and rightly so because, with success, comes a lot of recognition.
“And, for us, he’s moved Burnley on to a huge place from when I joined.”