Bendtner up for Barca clash

Bendtner: Confident

Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner insists he is the man to fire them past Barcelona in next week's UEFA Champions League showdown.

The Gunners travel to Spain next week defending a 2-1 lead from the first leg looking to book their place in the quarter-finals.

Arsenal will be without star striker Robin van Persie at Camp Nou, but Bendtner, who scored a hat-trick in the FA Cup win over Leyton Orient in midweek, believes he can fill Van Persie's boots against Barcelona.

"Can I lead the line against Barcelona? Of course," said Bendtner. "I am now getting back to where I belong and there are still improvements to come.

Dream scenario

"To score again there is the dream scenario. We have to take our chances because Barcelona always score when they play at home.

"I feel that in the last month I have definitely improved. That is due to my injury problems being completely finished.

"Last season I played for a bit when I was half-injured but there was no-one else, so I did my best and got through it.

"It has taken me a long time to get back where I am but I am pleased with my progress and that I have got back to playing the way I want to play."