Arsene Wenger has challenged Lukasz Fabianski to prove he can be a 'world-class keeper' for Arsenal.
Gunners boss challenges keeper to justify his faith
Arsene Wenger has challenged Lukasz Fabianski to prove he can be a 'world-class goalkeeper' for Arsenal.
Fabianski has yet to make the most of his limited opportunities as Manuel Almunia's back-up and has been guilty of several high-profile mistakes.
However, the Poland international will be granted another chance to impress on Tuesday night when Arsenal face local rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Carling Cup.
Wenger retains great faith in the 25-year-old and the Arsenal manager is keen for Fabianski to justify his belief in his ability.
Strong attitude
"I am personally convinced he is a world-class goalkeeper, potentially, and of course when you have that potential you want to transfer that into competitive games," Wenger told
Arsenal TV Online.
"I can only give him the opportunity to give him games to show what I believe about how good he is.
"I believe he has a very strong attitude, very strong response and he works very hard in training, so he has an opportunity to show his massive talent.
"I have massive faith in him and I think I have shown this historically. I am convinced he will become a great goalkeeper.
"We live in a world where if you have an opportunity you have to take it. You will get a second one, but you will not get 10 - and that is part of our job."
Emmanuel-Thomas praise
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas is also set to figure against Spurs and Wenger believes the 19-year-old forward has a bright future at Arsenal having picked up some valuable first-team experience last season during loan spells at Blackpool and Doncaster.
"Jay has class - class to give the ball, class to finish, class to pass people," Wenger declared.
"I believe he can play against anybody and score goals, but then again you must earn your place and on a daily basis he must show you have the hunger and quality.
"He has the needed quality without a doubt. I am confident that if he gets an opportunity he will show that."
