Source: Team_Talk
Song is a big hit with Wenger
Much had been made of a perceived need for the Gunners to bring in an experienced defensive partner for playmaker Cesc Fabregas.
However, Arsenal have impressed in the opening games of the new season, when their captain has been flanked by Song and young Brazilian Denilson.
Song, nephew of former Liverpool enforcer Rigobert, was granted a loan spell with Arsenal from French club Bastia following a successful trial before signing permanently in June 2006.
Wenger then allowed the youngster, 22 next month, to spend some time getting first-team football with Charlton, before returning to stake his claim for a regular place in the Arsenal side.
"I was always confident Song would pop up in this position, or at centre-back," said the Gunners boss.
"I brought him here aged 17 and worked very hard with him, we worked hard because I felt he had the talent to become a good player.
"I know that the opinions are changing about him, but has had to swim a little bit against the stream, and he did that very well."
Arsenal will defend a 2-0 lead from the first leg at Celtic Park, where they were perhaps somewhat fortunate in front of goal.
Wenger, though, knows there is plenty of work still to be done before the Gunners can be sure of the £30million jackpot from a place in the group stages of the Champions League.
"The tie is not safe, we know that," he said.
"We experienced a very physical game over there.
"We know the job has to be finished, but we are still in a strong position.
"The result will be determined by the way we play the second leg."
Arsenal have so far bought only Thomas Vermaelen during the transfer window.
However, the Belgian international looks a good bit of business at £10million from Ajax.
Following the sale of Kolo Toure, the 23-year-old has slotted in quickly alongside veteran William Gallas.
"I like the English way of football, the atmosphere and desire of it. For me I like it a lot and I like to play," said Vermaelen, who scored on his debut at Everton.
The Belgian defender, though, maintains complacency will not creep into the Arsenal rearguard at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
"Celtic are still a good team and against Moscow [in the third qualifying round] they lost at home 1-0, but then won 2-0 away," he said.
"They are still in the race so we have to keep concentrating and play the same game we did in the first leg."
