Wenger ‘excited’ by prospect of unveiling his new young guns

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Gunners host Sheffield United in the third round tomorrow with Wenger again using the competition to blood young talent.

Last season, Arsenal reached the semi-finals and the manager has high hopes that players such as Wales Under-21 midfielder Aaron Ramsey, Mark Randall, Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs and reserve team captain Gavin Hoyte will show they have a big future.

"I am very excited because it is a new generation where the youngest boy is Wilshere at 16, then there is Randall, Gibbs and so on," said Wenger.

"I believe it is very interesting to see a new generation come through, which is a little bit helped by having more experienced players around them, even though they are also young.

"It is always an adventure with a young group together and they can give you a bit of a view of how life at Arsenal could be in three or five years' time.

"It is a good opportunity for us to give young players a chance to show how good they are."

Poland stopper Lukasz Fabianski is set to take over from Manuel Almunia in goal tomorrow night.

The 23-year-old believes he has learned a lot from the experiences of last season, which included conceding five at White Hart Lane, but saw him end the campaign with three successive appearances in the final Premier League matches.

"It is really important to be patient," said the former Legia Warsaw keeper. "The best way to do that is to work hard and to wait for your chance."

Meanwhile, Arsenal have tied up Johan Djourou on a new, long-term contract.

The 21-year-old Switzerland international, who joined the Gunners in 2003, has made four appearances this season, coming off the bench to replace Gael Clichy in the win over Bolton.