Yennaris rises from mascot to midfielder

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Nico Yennaris’ development shows “dreams do come true” as the former Gunners mascot prepares to line up against Coventry in the Capital One Cup tonight.

The 19-year-old midfielder will be part of a mixed Arsenal squad for the visit of the npower League One side. The Sky Blues have fallen on hard times in recent seasons, but were established members of the top flight when Yennaris was a proud mascot aged seven for a game at Highbury in September 2000.

The youngster, whose father is a Greek Cypriot and mother Chinese, came through the Arsenal Academy and signed professional terms in July 2010, making his senior debut in the League Cup against Bolton last October before spending a brief loan spell with Notts County.

Wenger has been impressed with the midfielder’s progress, with Yennaris having also made a substitute appearance in the Barclays Premier League against Manchester United in January.

“He has a good chance to be on the pitch, so that is a fantastic story,” Wenger said. “Dreams do come true sometimes when you really want it and have been lucky as well. Nico is a fantastic player, but also has an excellent attitude — his is a good example to follow for all of the fans who will turn up on Wednesday night.”

As well as giving youngsters like Hector Bellerin, Kris Olsson, Serge Gnabry, Craig Eastmond and Ignasi Miquel the chance of some first-team action, Wenger will also give fringe players a chance to impress. Andrey Arshavin and Theo Walcott have struggled to make an impact this term but should start while Olivier Giroud is another likely starter.