Harry Arter Admits He Is Relishing the Cherries Gruelling Pre-Season Schedule

​Harry Arter says that he is relishing Bournemouth heavy pre-season schedule following his side's 2-1 win over Portsmouth on Saturday.

The Premier League side were too strong for their South Coast rivals with goals from Lys Mousset and Benik Afobe securing a win, and Arter was delighted to get another 60 minutes of action before the season starts.

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Speaking to afcbTVafter the game, Arter said: "I am enjoying the hard work purely because I know that by the end of it, I will be in the best physical condition that I can be in. I know that in the long term, the best thing is to get your work in as early as you can and ultimately that’s what pre-seasons all about.”

The Republic of Ireland international was full of praise for Afobe and Mousset and the rest of his team following the win he said: 

“They were great finishes - clinical from Lys and Benik. When we conceded the goal, our ruthlessness was good around their box, to get back in front and keep hold of it.

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“Pre-season is about working as hard as you can to get fit, but we were pleased to get the win, you want to try and build momentum with wins and you can never get bored of winning.”

With four more games to go before they visit West Brom on the opening game of the season the 27-year-old doesn't expect manager Eddie Howe to let his squad ease off saying: 

"It’s not only getting used to playing again, it’s more the build up to the game and the physical outputs that we have put in this week. The manager challenges us physically. It’s very demanding, and rightly so at this stage of pre-season.”