We’re not out of Carling Cup yet, claims Keown

MARTIN KEOWN has warned Middlesbrough that Arsenal’s Carling Cup veterans and youngsters could still spring a semi-final surprise next week – especially if a handful of first-team regulars return to the side.

Keown believes Arsenal have assembled an impressive group of young hopefuls, several of whom have gained valuable experience in the Carling Cup this season.

Indeed, the veteran Arsenal defender believes Arsenal’s virtual reserve side were unfortunate to lose 1-0 in the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final against Boro at Highbury on Tuesday night.

And while Wenger will largely keep faith with the players who have taken Arsenal this far in the competition for the return fixture, there could be one or two extra names in the squad next week.

While Kanu has left for the African Nations Cup, Arsenal are hoping Sylvain Wiltord and Dennis Bergkamp will have recovered from injury by next Wednesday’s game.

With Patrick Vieira now due to serve a one-match ban in the following Sunday’s Barclaycard Premiership game against Manchester City, Wenger could also turn to his influential captain at the Riverside.

Either way, Keown, who felt he was impeded in the build-up to Juninho’s goal, defiantly insisted the semi-final was far from over as he warned Boro, who also face Arsenal in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday, not to take anything for granted.

He said: “All is not lost. If we can score early up there then it will be very interesting and could turn the tie on its head.

“It could make Middlesbrough a bit tentative and how would they handle it then?

“Middlesbrough clearly put out their full team and we’ve not done that, but we still matched them for most of the game and after they scored, it was one-way traffic and it was just a case of whether they would sneak one on the break.

“So we’ll see what team the manager puts out on Saturday and Wednesday and let’s hope we get a bit more luck next time” he said.

The former England international said the club’s defensive future was in safe hands as he considered the strength in depth at the club.

“There are some outstanding young players at the club, which is a tribute to the manager. A semi-final is great for them and they’re still learning,” he said.

“Kolo has been a revelation. He can play anywhere. If you gave him a pair of gloves then he might have a chance.! He’s been a major plus.

“Pascal Cygan is doing well now and Gael Clichy is really a carbon copy of Ashley Cole, which is amazing. I don’t know where the manager finds these players for very little money.

“We also have some English players coming through the system now. I thought Ryan Smith looked electric when he came on, he showed a real turn of pace. David Bentley is another one.”