HARRY Arter has set his sights on becoming a central figure for Cherries but admits he has to prove he can fill the void left by the departure of Danny Hollands.

The 21-year-old is aiming to claim a regular place in Lee Bradbury’s first-choice line-up next season after finding his feet during his debut Dean Court campaign.

Arter produced some eye-catching displays but was restricted to 18 league appearances, including just seven starts, as central midfielders Anton Robinson, Marvin Bartley and Hollands performed consistently.

But with Bartley and Hollands having both left Cherries, the Londoner is set to battle it out with the likes of Mark Molesley and Joe Partington for the vacant berth alongside Robinson.

Arter, who can also play just behind the frontline and on the wing, believes he is up to the task in the middle of the park and is determined to show it.

He told the Echo: “I feel comfortable out wide or in the middle but I prefer playing in the centre.

“Sometimes, out wide, you don’t get the ball as much and can’t be involved as much.

“In the centre, you are always in the thick of things and it is up to you how much you want the ball.

“You can support the defence and the attackers, and I feel I am capable of doing both.

“I am quite attack-minded and people think I might not be great at the defensive duties. But when I played against Hartlepool and Yeovil, I felt I showed a different side to my game.

“That was one thing Bradders was pleased with me for. I showed a will to get forward and, equally, I showed a will to get back.

“When you play in the centre, especially in a two-man central midfield, that is something you have to do and something I cannot neglect. I have played in central midfield quite a lot. A lot of managers have preferred me to play in the hole or in a three, but I have played in a two before and I feel comfortable doing it.

“It is down to me to prove I am capable of doing it.”

Arter, who is contracted until summer 2013, added: “Bradders and Fletch were pleased enough to give me a new deal, which meant a lot to me. I appreciated it.

“Next season, I want to kick on. I was pleased I was part of a successful team and, hopefully, we can be even more successful next season, with me playing a pivotal role in it.”