McLintock astonished at 'tired' Vieira's request for a rest

FORMER Arsenal captain Frank McLintock has expressed his disbelief that current skipper Patrick Vieira is planning to ask Arsene Wenger to give him a rest just five league games into the new season.

McLintock believes Vieira’s plea, insisting he needs a break to stop his form suffering as he ‘‘can hardly stand up at times’’, could be as much due to psychological as physical reasons following the speculation over his future last season.

Vieira looked to be showing signs of exhaustion at the World Cup but, despite France’s early exit, he is apparently still tired after taking part in the Gunners’ first six games of this season, including the Charity Shield, and two internationals. Despite the impassioned appeal, Arsenal manager Wenger said he had no plans to rest his captain and said he would be in the squad for Saturday's match at Charlton.