Harry Arter set to join up with Ireland squad despite missing Leicester clash with calf injury

Independent.ie understands that Arter is 'eager' to travel to Dublin as he strives to be fit for Ireland's final two qualifier, even though he is nursing a 'relatively minor' strain in his calf that kept him out of Saturday's Premier League game against Leicester.

Arter was dropped from last month's qualifier against Serbia after a below par display in the game against Georgia a few days before, but he is one of Ireland's only regular Premier League starters and would be a strong contender to play against Moldova in the absence of the suspended midfield duo Robbie Brady and James McClean.

Everton midfielder James McCarthy is also a major injury doubt for Ireland's decisive Group D qualifiers, with his club manager Ronald Koeman warning his player against risking his recovery from injury by playing for Ireland.

McCarthy only returned to training with Everton last week and has not played for his club this season, with O'Neill risking another fall-out with Everton officials if he opts to use the player in these upcoming qualifiers.