I can fill Vieira’s boots, says Parlour

RAY PARLOUR has told Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger he is ready to step into the mighty boots of crocked captain Patrick Vieira – despite only just returning from his own injury which kept him out of action for nearly 12 weeks.

French star Vieira looks set to miss the Gunners' Barclaycard Premiership clash with fierce North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on Sunday after Wenger's gamble of playing him in Tuesday's Champions League clash with Valencia backfired.

Vieira, rated just 24 hours earlier by Wenger as only a "40-60 against" chance to face the Spaniards because of a left thigh strain, had to quit the match seven minutes before half-time when he felt pain in his right thigh.

Now Wenger admits his central midfield ace is highly doubtful for the Spurs battle but is also convinced that Romford-born Parlour, who has largely been used as a winger in his 10-year first-team career at Highbury, can deputise ably for Vieira.

Parlour, back from prolonged hamstring trouble, certainly impressed when he came on for Vieira against Valencia and he said: "Considering how long I've been out, it didn't go too badly. All I'm lacking is a little bit of sharpness but I'd love to play on Sunday especially in central midfield. I've got to say it is my favourite position but it is up to the manager and, if Patrick is fit, I'm sure he'll play because he's a very important player for us.

"But I would look forward to it if I was picked to play in his position. We've already had two really big games this week which have ended in a bit of disappointment but the one on Sunday is certainly another one.

"Tottenham came here a few weeks ago when we beat them 3-0. Now we have to go to White Hart Lane and I know they will be thinking it will make their season if they can get their own back. We will have to be on our toes but we will be because we know we need to get back on track in the Premiership after the defeat at Manchester United."

Wenger, meanwhile, still hasn't given up completely on hoping that Vieira will recover in time for Sunday's derby but admits: "I took a gamble playing him against Valencia and in retrospect maybe I would change that.

"But he wanted to play and he felt good in the warm-up. It is strange how he had the injury in one leg and now it seems to have gone to the other one. He may have been overcompensating for the other side. It looks like he is definitely out for Sunday but there may be a surprise.

"Ray Parlour came in and did very well and he could do it again. We will see."