Arter and Republic of Ireland's big opportunity

Today the Republic of Ireland play Denmark in the first leg of their two-leg play-off final and Harry Arter is hoping to be involved. Harry hasn't had a marvellous start to the season, but he has managed to get into the starting line up for the Republic of Ireland, and he may well get the nod again this weekend to try and get them to the World Cup in Russia.

Playing in a Wold Cup would be another goal achieved for Harry Arter.

The Republic of Ireland finished second in group D to Serbia in the World Cup qualifiers and that put them against Denmark in the final draw for qualification. Harry played in central midfield with Jeff Hendrick, and while he lasted 77 of the 90 minutes he had a big part in the goal that Hendrick scored against Wales to give the Republic the win they needed. The Republic set up to be very defensive which is characteristic of Martin O'Neill sides, and in this first leg against Denmark they are away, and that implies to me that Arter is probably going to play as he is a good market and does a lot of running for teams.

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Whether a defensive approach will be enough against the Danes is going to be tested. But if the Republic do not concede in the first game they will fancy getting a win on Tuesday when they are at home. Denmark finished five points behind Poland in group E and had a goal difference of 12, so they do have players that will have a go on goal if the opportunity arises. Andrews Cornelius is their main striker, but Arter will probably be most wary of Tottenham's Christian Eriksen playing just behind.

If Arter makes it to the World Cup it will be really sweet for him having missed out last summer on the European Championships. Not many AFCB players are likely to make it to the finals with Aké seeing the Netherlands go out already and Begovic not qualifying with Bosnia-Herzegovina. While we may watch England with lots of Premier League players, it will be something else to see Arter playing for the Republic in matches in Russia - let's hope he gets there.

The Championship is relentless but so enjoyable

The Championship should not be this enjoyable I keep thinking to myself. Why should I get so excited every match day when I know I will feel anguish, tension and possible disappointment? I think it's because I also know that every now and again I will experience a moment of sheer delight when the Cherries bring back three points. The league is so tight and all the teams have individual players that can do something special in an instant to win a game. And if the bad games out weigh the good ones so be it. I'll still love AFCB and support the team just like all of you. Yet, there is one part of the season that I am finding hard to deal with. I bet you can guess when that is. Yes, it's during these international breaks.

Don't get me wrong I follow the national team and will want them to do well next year in Brazil. But the Championship is simply addictive. A week without a game seems like a punishment or like coming off a craving. Watch out, football withdraw systems are not very pleasant. But why is the Championship in particular such an adrenaline rush?

For AFCB fans the games don't last any longer than they would in League One or Two. They don't have the same media coverage as the Premiership. However, come match day we just can't get enough of being in the Championship and I don't think it is all because we know there is a prize for three teams at the end of the season who will win promotion to the Premiership or the fear of seeing your team being sucked into the bottom three. As an AFCB fan its about belonging here, sampling the atmosphere and seeing our players take on other great players.

Sure the Championship is relentless, but it's also exhilarating, full of passionate fans and managers that must simply love the pressure aiming to do the impossible - getting a win, after win, after win. With 46 games in the season I can't say that we don't get enough games. But I miss the action and the excitement when there is an international break.

I suppose we need to take a break though every now and again. It's a time to reflect and heel some of the injuries that our players have suffered. For AFCB it is probably an advantage that we don't have as many international players as some of the other teams in the league. Our players really may be able to have a rest, but it won't be for long.

I also think the hotch potch make up of the Championship is one of its charms. There are all types of teams here those that should be in the Premiership, those that have been in the division for far too long and the small towns that are holding their own and defying the odds. Some may think the novelty of AFCB being back in the Championship is why I am finding it so enjoyable, but even when the Cherries were in League One and League Two I particularly wanted to know what was happening in the Championship.

There is something about this division. It was always a target that I felt was achievable for AFCB and now that the club is there it should be something that we take in as much of as we can. And yes, even the international breaks should be welcomed, because they are part of the character of the Championship and indeed the Premiership. We are not used to them but I hope Eddie Howe and the team are making the most of them when they come around, because watching the Championship every week is exhausting stuff - I just hope it can continue for a long time for AFCB fans.  

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