Simpson eyes Carling Cup glory
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger selected a team with an average outfield age of just 19 on Tuesday night – but they dispatched Wigan with ease.
Simpson’s goals and a third from Carlos Vela sent the Latics crashing out of the competition and left the young striker hoping for one of the top clubs in Saturday’s draw.
“I don’t see why we can’t win it,” he said. “Everyone’s confident, and the boss believes in us – so we hope we can win the next game and take it from there.
“All of us want a big side in the next round, because we want to test ourselves. That’s what it’s all about – playing against the big teams and seeing what you can do against them.
“I’d be delighted if Manchester United or Liverpool put out their first team against us. If they draw us and put out a strong side it would show they’ve got respect for us.”
Simpson and his teammates will not lack for confidence.
“It was very special for all the young players,” he said of the victory over Wigan.
“We came up against a Premier League side and we showed our quality.
“It was good for me to score two goals, but the result and the fact we’re through to the next round are more important.”
His performances so far are early dividend for the Gunners on a long-term investment of time and faith in Simpson.
“I’ve been with the club since I was eight,” he added.
I’ve been working hard from that age and I’m starting to live my dream. I’m glad I got the chance to repay the faith the boss has shown in me.
“If you’re good enough you’ll play. If there are players doing well ahead of you then they’ll play.
“If you look at the Englishmen we had out we had quite a few, and there are more coming through. It’s been talked about whether English players are coming through this club, but I’m sure you’ll see more coming through.”
Arsenal’s emerging English generation is something Wenger is extremely proud of, and Tuesday night’s victory was secured under the watching eye of national coach Fabio Capello.
At least eight English players were in the squad, led by the impressive Jack Wilshere in midfield.
Wenger, often criticised for the lack of native talent in his senior teams, allowed himself a wry smile after the victory.
“If he (England coach Fabio Capello) wants to have a good selection now, he has to come to our Carling Cup games,” he said.
“We have Gavin Hoyte, who had an outstanding game, Kieran Gibbs, Mark Randall, Jack Wilshire – all of them are top class.
“Then you have Jay Simpson. There were also a few on the bench who are good as well. We have eight or nine players who are very impressive.
“I like Gibbs and the way he plays. He is a player who can go up and down the pitch and has unbelievable physique. This boy has a future.”
Meanwhile Wenger says he expects midfielder Tomas Rosicky to return to action within two months after the Arsenal player underwent further surgery on a tendon injury that has sidelined him since January.
The 28-year-old suffered the injury in an FA Cup tie against Newcastle on January 26 but he has made slower progress than expected after originally having surgery back in May.
“The situation looks very positive,’’ Wenger said. “They have taken a lot of scar tissue out of his leg and the vibes I got from the surgeon were very positive. I think he could return between six to eight weeks.”
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