Arsene Wenger praises Reading boss Brian McDermott ahead of Arsenal cup tie

Arsene Wenger: Full of praise for Reading manager Brian McDermott

Arsene Wenger has hailed Reading boss Brian McDermott as a miracle-worker ahead of Arsenal's Capital One Cup fourth-round tie at the Madejski Stadium.

McDermott, a former Arsenal midfielder, guided Reading to the Premier League last season as winners of the Championship on a meagre budget.

And Wenger admires the boss of Tuesday's cup opponents, insisting that McDermott has the ability to keep the Royals in the Premier League.

"Reading have made appointments from within the club well over the years," Wenger told Arsenal's official website.

"You have to congratulate Brian McDermott for promotion last year. I believe he made a miracle basically.

"When you get to the Premier League, the level of expectation is to stay and I feel they have a chance. McDermott has the qualities to achieve that.

"We expect a challenge and we know Reading will give absolutely everything when they play against us.

"Reading have done very well in their scouting. They are one of the examples of a club not spending money and living within their resources.

"I always respect that. There is some quality work behind their success."

Rest

Wenger admits he will rest players for the trip but his policy has served him well in the competition as he attempts to lead the Gunners to the last eight for a 10th successive year.

"Some players need a breather because they had two international games, Champions League and Premier League games," he said.

"We will go to Reading with a good team who will have a good chance to win the game."
Arsene Wenger

"They will have played five games in two weeks. Some will be rested tomorrow. After that I will see after tomorrow night.

"We will still have an experienced side out with players from the squad. We will go to Reading with a good team who will have a good chance to win the game.

"We fight as hard as we can to stay in all the competitions and if you have to make a choice you make it as late as possible.

"The Capital One Cup is in a period where you have to make a decision sometimes as it is a time when we also have the League and the Champions League."

• Arsenal Specials. Click here to bet.