Wenger gives Gibbs backing

04 November 2009 08:24
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has no problems throwing youngster Kieran Gibbs into the fray with Gael Clichy on the sidelines.[LNB] Frenchman Clichy set for a month on the sidelines following a stress fracture to his lower back.[LNB]Gibbs had a first-team run at the back end of last season and Wenger is comfortable utilising the 20-year-old again.[LNB]He will start Wednesday's UEFA Champions League clash against AZ Alkmaar, something that should please Fabio Capello.[LNB]The England manager, who is mulling over his 23-man squad for South Africa next summer, has admitted Gibbs is in his thoughts so the youngster will have two reasons to impress.[LNB]Comfortable"I was very comfortable to have a solution to rest Clichy when it was needed and play Gibbs," said Wenger.[LNB]"Now suddenly there is a huge stress on Gibbs to play in every game.[LNB]"Capello and England will be happy because they want him to play of course, but it is still a blow for us to lose Clichy.[LNB]Wenger, though, declared: "I have no doubt about the quality of Gibbs, and I have said that many times."[LNB]ConfidenceThe Gunners dispatched rivals Spurs 3-0 at the weekend and Wenger believes belief is brimming throughout his squad.[LNB]"I am happy with the confidence," he continued. "However, you do not have to confuse confidence with arrogance.[LNB]"The confidence comes from that we are in this job to try to win, and I am very happy that the players believe they can do it."[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports