Bournemouth's Harry Arter handed Republic of Ireland call-up

Harry Arter has scored six goals in his 38 appearances for Bournemouth this season

Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter has been handed his first Republic of Ireland call-up for the Euro 2016 qualifier against Poland on 29 March.

Arter, 25, is named in a provisional 35-man squad for the crucial qualifier after producing impressive form for his club in this season's Championship.

London-born Arter has played for the Republic's Under-17 and Under-19 teams.

There is still no spot for Aston Villa's Jack Grealish, who is yet to commit to the Republic of Ireland.

Birmingham-born Grealish also has the option of declaring for England.

Hull midfielder Robbie Brady and Everton counterpart Aiden McGeady have been included, although Brady is struggling with a torn calf muscle, while McGeady is nursing a bruised knee.

Arter's inclusion apart, there are no major surprises in Martin O'Neill's squad for the game, which gained in importance following the 1-0 defeat by Scotland in November.

Derby full-back Cyrus Christie and Ipswich striker David McGoldrick are retained in the squad after making their debuts in the 4-1 friendly win over the USA, which came four days after the defeat in Scotland.

Everton midfielder James McCarthy and Stoke's Glenn Whelan return after missing the November games because of injury.

O'Neill will reduce the squad before the players meet up in Dublin on 22 March.

The Republic boss felt it was the right time to include Arter, whose Bournemouth side are currently leading the Championship.

"He is having a very good season. I think, yeah, why not? It would be nice to have a look at him," said O'Neill.

"There are no guarantees of anything. I've met him twice now and I think he deserves that chance."

Arter, who earlier on Thursday had received a one-match ban from the Football Association, paid tribute to his club manager Eddie Howe after the call-up.

"If I do get the opportunity to play, it will be one I'm looking forward to and one I'll look at with a lot of pride," Arter told Bournemouth's website.

"And I'm sure the manager will take a lot of pleasure seeing me get into the squad. He's helped me a lot to get to this point and I'm very thankful to him."

The former Charlton trainee is in his fifth season with the Cherries after joining them from Conference side Woking in June 2010, and has scored six goals in 38 appearances in the current campaign.

O'Neill's men opened their campaign with victories in Georgia and at home to Gibraltar followed by a 1-1 draw in Germany and then the defeat in Scotland.

Poland currently enjoy a three-point lead over Germany, Scotland and Ireland at the top of the table having beaten the world champions 2-0 in Warsaw in October, but held to a 2-2 draw by the Scots four days later.

"They've obviously got off to a great start. Confidence is obviously very high there. They look up to the task. It will be a tough game for us," added O'Neill.

Republic of Ireland squad

Goalkeepers: Forde (Millwall), Given (Aston Villa), Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday), Randolph (Birmingham), Elliot (Newcastle)

Defenders: Keogh (Derby), Wilson (Stoke), Coleman (Everton), Christie (Derby), O'Shea (Sunderland), Pearce (Reading), McShane (Hull), Clark (Aston Villa), Ward (Burnley)

Midfielders: McCarthy (Everton), Hendrick (Derby), Arter (Bournemouth), Whelan (Stoke), Gibson (Everton), Green (Rotherham), McGeady (Everton), Pilkington (Cardiff), McClean (Wigan), Brady (Hull), Quinn (Hull), Meyler (Hull), Hoolahan (Norwich)

Forwards: Keane (LA Galaxy), Long (Southampton), Murphy (Ipswich), Walters (Stoke), Doyle (Wolves), Stokes (Celtic), Cox (Reading), McGoldrick (Ipswich)