Bournemouth's Harry Arter ruled out of Republic of Ireland squad

Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter has been forced to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland squad for the friendlies against Switzerland and Slovakia.

The 26-year-old returned to action for the Cherries in Sunday's 3-0 defeat at Tottenham after missing two games due to an Achilles problem.

However, he was substituted at half-time at White Hart Lane after suffering a recurrence of the injury.

Arter still linked up with the Republic squad on Monday ahead of Friday's clash with Switzerland, but it was decided he would not be fit to feature and he has returned to his club.

Arter has made only one appearance for the Republic of Ireland, as a second-half substitute in the 0-0 draw with England last June.

He would have been hoping to stake his claim for a place in Martin O'Neill's Euro 2016 squad in these two friendlies but assistant manager Roy Keane said he will be given another chance in the friendly against the Netherlands in May.

Keane said at his news briefing on Tuesday: "You obviously wouldn't take a chance with any player and, to be fair, he came over yesterday after he was struggling against Tottenham and like with any friendly game, you wouldn't take risks.

"It's unfortunate because I'm sure he's desperate to get one or two games under his belt but he's playing most weeks for Bournemouth. It's disappointing but it's part of the game. Hopefully he'll have a chance to get involved for the Dutch game.

"It's not the end of the world and there won't be any doors shut on him because he has the benefit of playing most weeks, and more importantly we're hoping it's not a serious injury."

Derby midfielder Jeff Hendrick missed training on Tuesday after aggravating a shoulder problem and he is also set to return to his club.

"Jeff is struggling, he had a fall at the weekend. He's had previous problems with his shoulder and might be looking at going back to Derby to get it properly looked at," said Keane.

Robbie Keane, Jonathan Walters and Robbie Brady also sat out the session and will continue to be assessed this week.