Lee Dixon today claimed William Gallas has turned his Arsenal career around after a failed spell as captain threatened to rip the club apart.

The Frenchman was stripped of the role in November after a series of emotionally-charged, high-profile bust-ups - epitomised perfectly by his sit-down protest at a late penalty in last January's 2-2 draw at Birmingham.

But since being allowed to focus solely on his own game, the 31-year-old has rediscovered his best form at the heart of a defence that has conceded just four goals in 13 games.

Gallas has shaken off a thigh problem to be able to start Sunday's FA Cup fifth round clash against Burnley and Dixon, who made 458 appearances for the Gunners in a 14-year spell that ended in 2002, said: "Since the captaincy was removed from him, I can't fault him.

"He's been a completely changed person and Arsenal are getting more of a captain's role from him than we have ever had. He has helped to create a back four that is a lot more solid and they are defending better as a team.

"I have been more critical of William than most. I played under a very strong leader in Tony Adams and so I have been spoilt in that department. I didn't agree with William being captain, I thought it was affecting the team and I didn't think he was very good.

"I think he is selfish and you can't be selfish when you are captain. He put himself first in the Birmingham game and you can't do that as captain.

"The one player on the pitch who needed him more than most then was Gael Clichy. He had just given a penalty away and the poor lad was distraught but his captain is at the other end, kicking hoardings and sulking at the end of the game.

"That's not what a captain does. We all make mistakes and he probably regrets that, looking back on it, but his attitude during games did not lend itself to being captain.

"However, William has now turned it around and deserves credit for being the linchpin that has brought the solidarity back together. There aren't many better defenders around when he is in top form."

Arsenal lie just three points behind Aston Villa after midweek Premier League results that have created a momentum behind the Gunners' push for Champions League football.

Several players are thought to have put new contract talks on hold until the club's European future is decided.

Dixon (left) said: "I hear Robin van Persie's thinking about his contract and seeing how it goes. I just think 'sign your contract, get your head down' and if the worst case scenario is that we don't qualify for the Champions League, they will next season. So, take it on the chin and play in the Europa Cup next year.

"People have to realise that if it did happen, we would be the only top four club that wouldn't be crippled. That is a testament to how the football club is run and the financial stability we have got. People forget that but they shouldn't because it is hugely important."

Burnley visit Emirates Stadium sitting just outside the play-offs in the Championship and with the confidence from a victory against the Gunners earlier this season.

Owen Coyle's side beat Arsenal 2-0 on the way to the Carling Cup semi-finals and were less than two minutes away from reaching the final.

Dixon, who started his career at Burnley as a youngster, said: "The manager has to take quite a bit of credit. He is young, has some good ideas and he talks well about the game. If you can get your enthusiasm and your ideas over to the spectators through the media then there is a good chance he is like that in the dressing room.

"Owen has shades of being the young Arsene Wenger. From what I have heard of Arsene talking about him, he sees bits of his younger self in him. They play decent football and that has always been a tradition of the club."

Theo Walcott and Eduardo return to the squad after overcoming shoulder and hamstring injuries respectively while Burnley expect Brian Jensen and Martin Paterson to shake off dead legs in time to play, though Michael Duff is suspended and on-loan Middlesbrough defender Rhys Williams is cup-tied.