'I'm good enough to be Arsenal's top striker,' crows fit again Bendtner
29 Jan 2010 - 00:29:39
Nicklas Bendtner's three-month injury lay-off has not sapped his reserves of confidence, with the Denmark star now aiming to establish himself as Arsenal's top forward.
'That is my plan and it is achievable,' said Bendtner, who returned following a hernia operation in the goalless draw with Aston Villa. on Wednesday.
'Why? Because I am a good player. It's simple. If I didn't think I could do it, I wouldn't be standing here telling you I could.
Back in action: Bendtner (left) returns for Arsenal against Aston Villa
'I always prefer to play centre forward but we have changed thesystem a bit and play 4-3-3, so all the front men can swap around anddo whatever.'
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger abandoned his plans to sign a striker in the January market as a show of faith in Bendtner.
On target: Bendtner had impressed prior to his injury in October
With Robin van Persie out until April and Eduardo missing forSunday's game against Manchester United with a hamstring strain,Bendtner can expect a key role in Arsenal's Premier League title bid.
Revolving door: Eduardo has replaced Bendtner in the treatment room
'I wouldn't be here if I wasn't ready,' said the 22-year-old. 'Wehave a lot of big games. I have only trained once with the team (sincethe injury) and played for half an hour but it feels OK.
'It's so good to be back. Everything, the atmosphere, the smell ofthe grass, everything is just fantastic. I don't think you realise,when you are out for so long, how much you miss football. And when youcome back, you are so happy.
'We have done really well. We have got ourselves into a great position now wherewe are fighting at the top of the league. I personally believe that we belong there.'
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