January could hold key to Upson’s future at Highbury

ARSENAL defender Matthew Upson has admitted this month could hold the key to his long-term future at Highbury as he asked manager Arsene Wenger to reassure him about his playing prospects.

Upson’s uncertain position at Arsenal has alerted several clubs about his possible availability during the transfer window, with Birmingham City interested in making a £1m bid with a further £2m based on appearances.

The 23-year-old centre-half, who has finally emerged from a frustrating succession of injuries, still believes he has a future at Highbury. Wenger insisted last Friday he had no intention of selling Upson, claiming he has “attributes you dream of at centre-back.” However, Upson, who started the FA Cup third-round win over Oxford, is now looking for Wenger to give him a chance to prove himself more often in the first team and emerge as Martin Keown’s long-term replacement alongside Sol Campbell.