Harry Arter

Like Trap did?

This doesn't have a lot to do with Mick not rating the lads, and everything to do with their history of pulling out of squads, though I'm sure the usual suspects will refuse to accept that even in the face of overwhelming evidence. Rightly or wrongly, Mick values loyalty over everything else, seemingly even football ability, so once the lads didn't show what he thought was 100% commitment, they were always going to be on shaky ground. 

Maybe, and I don't think Mick should be particularly alienating anyone from the squad, if Hendrick & Whelan were to be injured at the weekend, Arter would be one of the first calls he should make. I say should, as he would likely be too stubborn to make that call in reality. It's much the same with Long, although I don't know a single person that would have Hogan in the squad ahead of him as it stands, never mind if more strikers got injured. 

I kind of understand Westwoods position, he came over to Gibraltar for Micks first game, maybe thought he had a chance of getting in, didn't, so more or less decided to put club first since. But at the same time, if Randolph had that attitude when Given & Forde were ahead of him, he probably wouldn't be Ireland's keeper right now. 

Whether we as fans like it or not, there are just some lads more committed than others. This isn't an English born thing either just before anyone suggests it, Joey O'Brien was one that I remember being very lukewarm as regards turning up for squads just to give one example. 

I think Harry enjoyed having 'Ireland international' on his CV. While secretly hoping his references wouldn't be contacted.

As for Westwood, I never dared dream that such an able and true replacement could be found for Dean Kiely.

Mick is 100% spot on. I think the below quote tells you a lot

I think we badly need Arter in the squad but his commitment is certainly in question and has been for a long time. I'd say Mick might've taken a dim view of Arter pulling out of the last squad but was quite happy to play for Fulham against Reading or Cardiff. If McClean needed an operation in the middle of an international break you'd give him the benefit of the doubt as he's committed but not Arter. 

Given the squad limitations the very least you need is a tight group of committed players who'll run through a brick wall to play for Ireland. Arter is definitely not one of those. 

You've hopped over the fence baby!! Our job is to do analysis and so is yours, not be some PR man for Harry Arter! 

No, Mick told him that he's 7th choice and thus wouldn't be in the squad, that decision is completely out of Arter's hands. He also says both players would accept a call up when called upon, which hardly tallies with the idea they're uncommitted, does it?