Arsenal Football Club News

• Nickname:Gunners
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

• Ground:Emirates
• Capacity:60,432

Wenger believes in Campbell

14 Apr 2010 - 07:59:50

Click To Enlarge

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has no qualms about throwing Sol Campbell into north London derby action against former club Tottenham Hotspur.

Campbell, 35, has made nine appearances after making a shock return to the Gunners in January.

Two years at Portsmouth and an ill-fated brief stint with ambitious League Two outfit Notts County looked to have ended his days as a top-flight defender.

But, following his return to Arsenal and with William Gallas sidelined until the end of the season with a calf injury, Wenger has confirmed that Campbell will start Wednesday's north London derby against Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

The former England defender is a regular target for angry Spurs fans after joining Arsenal following nine seasons with them back in 2001.

"Sol has been a big support for me and the squad. He is very important in the dressing room because he is highly focused and highly motivated," said Wenger.

"Every time he has played he has turned in a very good performance. It is one of the good signings I have made.

"I have no concerns about him. He will play tomorrow.

"I didn't imagine he would play as many games as he has. I thought he would play in one or two games maybe, but he got those extra matches because he played well."