Silvestre: Young Guns can ‘grow up’ and win title

MIKAEL SILVESTRE insists Arsenal have time to “grow up” this season and remain very much in the race for both European and Barclays Premier League glory.

A much-changed Gunners side — missing the likes of captain Cesc Fabregas as well as strikers Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie — suffered a 2-0 defeat in Porto last night, which scuppered hopes of top spot in Champions League Group G, and with it seeding for the knockout stages.

Nevertheless, manager Arsene Wenger defended his selection policy, made with one eye on tomorrow’s early kick-off away at Middlesbrough, and insists his young squad have what it takes to make further inroads in the competition.