Bendtner: Carling Cup triumph can be catalyst for further glory

NICKLAS BENDTNER has challenged Arsenal to win the Carling Cup and use it as a springboard to the Barclays Premier League title.

The Gunners are favourites for the trophy having been drawn against npower Championship strugglers Ipswich in the semi-finals — the first leg is at Portman Road tomorrow night — with either West Ham or Birmingham awaiting them if they reach the final at Wembley.

Much has been made of Arsenal’s long run without silverware, the last being the 2005 FA Cup, but Bendtner believes winning the Carling Cup next month would lead to bigger prizes.