Arsenal right back Lauren says he will fight to win his place back in the side.
Arsenal right back Lauren says he will fight to win his place back in Arsene Wenger's starting line-up.
The Cameroon defender has had to watch Emmanuel Eboue emerge as a top-class deputy in the position with the Ivory Coast ace ready to play in the UEFA Champions League final against Barcelona on Wednesday.
Although upset to be missing out on the Paris showpiece, Lauren is pleased for his team-mates.
"Eboue has been fantastic, he's been brilliant since he played against Real Madrid," he told Sky Sports News.
"Every single game, he's been doing fantastic. I'm very proud.
"It's good to see people come out of the dark and they are doing well. It's good for the team and good for the club.
"Competition is good as it improves the level of the team. [Can I win my place back?] Why not? I am a professional."
The injured full back will collect a winner's medal if Arsenal triumph as he played in all of the Champions League group games.
"Now the team's in the final, I cannot play and am a bit disappointed," he added. "But, the other way, I am very happy because I know how hard we worked to be there.
"We have been chasing this final for a while and, finally, are there so I am happy.
"Me and [Barcelona striker] Samuel Eto'o have been together. Within the team, they think the final is 50-50 but, around the team, they think differently.
"They won the Spanish league easily, play brilliantly and have got fantastic players. They feel they can win.
"Samuel is playing at a high level, very well and is improving so he has a lot more to offer.
"I cannot compare him with Thierry Henry because Henry is a world-class, fantastic player. For me, he's the best striker in the world so you cannot compare.
"The only thing I know [about Henry] is I want him to stay. We love him at Arsenal and everybody loves him."
