Harry Arter has had to overcome tremendous personal tragedy this season and has been hit with a number of injuries over the course of the Premier League campaign.
But with Euro 2016 drawing ever closer, the Bournemouth midfielder remains optimistic of his chances of being on the plane to France.
"I've been pleased with the run I've had [with Bournemouth] since the return from injury. It was a really frustrating time at the start, I was missing some really big games and missing some games for Ireland.
"When November came I was fit again and I was really enjoying it, I felt like a kid again. Obviously it being the Premier League made it that little bit more exciting. Individually and collectively as a team I feel we've been really successful.
"Along with the national team, it was a great result to get against Bosnia to put us in the Euros. Looking forward there's a lot to be excited for and I'm going to try and get fit for."
Harry Arter celebrates after scoring against West Ham. Image: Adam Davy / PA Archive/Press Association Images
The 26-year-old shed some light on the injury issues that have plagued him during his first full season in the Premier League.
"It's just a slight Achilles problem. One of those injuries that needs a little bit of rest rather than pushing through it. I looked at the big picture and figured that if I didn't rest it now, it'd get closer to the end of the season where I'd have to.
"I had to give myself the best opportunity to finish the season strongly and try and be in contention for the Euros. It is probably the best decision now to stop."
Arter shared his thoughts on Bournemouth's progress in the league since the turn of the year.
"I think it took a bit of time for the team to get used to playing in the Premier League. I remember watching games when I was out injured there were a lot of games where actually we were really unlucky.
"We were playing really well and picking up results. Probably a little bit of naivety was coming into our game. I felt we learnt quite quick, the manager was pointing out where we were going wrong.
"We picked up momentum-wise, December was a really good month for us. From that point on we've never looked back."
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