Morning:
11°c
Wenger tips cup kids for stardom
James Olley14.11.08
Arsene Wenger today claimed as many as eight youngsters who shone in the midweek Carling Cup victory over Wigan will graduate to Arsenal's first team.
The Gunners boss will revert to his first-team squad for tomorrow's visit of Aston Villa despite the ease with which his second string disposed of a fullstrength Premier League side.
But Wenger expects players such as Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and Jay Simpson to have long careers at Emirates Stadium.
He said: "If you ask me how many will play at Arsenal in the Premier League I would say about seven to eight.
"That's because if you look at the team that played in the Carling Cup Final two years ago, our midfield was at that time Theo Walcott, Denilson, Cesc Fabregas and Abou Diaby and that was the midfield that started against Manchester United [last week] two years later.
"There is Lukasz Fabianski, Alex Song and Johan Djourou who are ready to play as much as all the others. You have Gavin Hoyte, Kieran Gibbs, Wilshere and Mark Randall who have a future at the English national level and Jay Simpson is a good goalscorer."
Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia has recovered from concussion sustained in the win over United, while Emmanuel Adebayor also returns to the squad to face Villa after missing the last three games with an ankle injury.
Reader views (3)
With Arsene Wengers eye for good youth players the future is looking good,with the funds he has available we are lucky to have such a shrewd manager,he is building for the future, and with this masterclass of talent it wont be long until arsenal have the right mix of experience and talented youth to challenge for the premiership.Even with the dodgy results at the start of the season Arsenal have bounced back,and are still in with an outside chance this time.Be patient, Wengers investments will pay off and the critics will be left eating their words.
- Jim Ex Pat,N1, thailand
Wenger should give a chance against Villa to VELA, who should replace the suspended Van Persie, this is the perfect chance. Also I would rest Almunia and play Fabianski as he is in better form.
- A.Messina, Malta
I thoroughly enjoyed watching the 'young guns' beat Wigan. Hopfully, the first team can continue where they left off against Manchester United, by beating Asont Villa.
- Rob Gooner, North London
