Creating chances has never been something Arsene Wenger's Arsenal have found difficult but their intermittent inability to take them has sometimes been a source of criticism.

Tonight, Carlos Vela will be given an opportunity to further define a growing reputation that in just five appearances earned him serious consideration as a starter against Manchester United last weekend.

The 19-year-old marked his debut with a hat-trick in the 6-0 Carling Cup mauling of Sheffield United in September and is almost certain to feature as that competition returns to Emirates Stadium in the form of a fourth- round tie against Wigan Athletic.

United witnessed first-hand Vela's skill combined with a composure beyond his years and Wenger has challenged the Mexican to underline his potential once again and prove he can handle the physical challenge Steve Bruce's side are likely to pose.

"He is naturally gifted, quick, intelligent and with very good technique, so you now want him to add that combative, determined side that makes the difference," said the Gunners boss.

"He'll quickly be a world-class striker when he adds that. Some day we all get our chance - the target is to take that chance when you get it, and he has the potential to do that."

It has been a long road for Vela from his Cancun birthplace to north London, having belatedly begun his Arsenal career after signing from Chivas de Guadalajara three years ago.

Work permit regulations dictated loan spells at Spanish sides Celta Vigo, Salamanca and Osasuna but his stunning debut and four bright cameo appearances have quickly raised his profile in England.

"I don't think it's that important at the moment not starting every League game," he said. "I am still playing, working hard every day and resting as well, and that's important. I am devoting all my time to that of course. I knew full well that the competition here would be very tough.

"But if I take my time and I learn, everything is possible and I know I will get my chance."

Although Vela struggles with English - and once got lost for three hours in central London before giving up and getting a taxi home - the forward is far from frustrated and appreciates Wenger's policy of giving overseas players a period to acclimatise.

"I am getting better little by little, as I get more time on the pitch," he said. "There isn't any pressure - everything has been fairly low key for me so far. The Sheffield United game showed we are at a good level now among the young players at the club."

Indeed, Vela is among several prospects who are getting noticed in the Carling Cup. Aaron Ramsey earned his move to Arsenal on the back of his role in Cardiff's journey to last season's FA Cup Final and was yesterday called into the Wales senior squad to face Denmark.

Midfielder Jack Wilshere is even younger at just 16 and Wenger said: "Jack scored a good goal in the last round, and we know that people will be following his progress because there is a big expectation level here for English players to be produced.

"And it is not only Jack - we had a lot of good English players on the pitch in the last round such as Mark Randall, Gavin Hoyte and Kieran Gibbs. I think that quality-wise we are now more complete than ever."

Arsenal's youngsters will want to maintain the momentum from Saturday's revitalising victory over Manchester United.

The difference that day was that the Gunners simply took their chances - it is central to Wenger's emphasis on youth that his youngsters take such opportunities as tonight to develop their careers.

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