Wenger hints Seaman is number one for final

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger indicated David Seaman would win the race for the keeper’s jersey in the FA Cup final, even though Richard Wright has played in all but one of the previous rounds.

Wenger has not yet made a final decision as to which keeper to select in Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium against Chelsea.

However, he made it clear that emotion would play no part in his thinking as his only selection criteria would be picking the ‘‘team with the best chance of winning the trophy’’.

Wright was told when Seaman was restored to the side after injury in February that he would be given the chance to rebuild his reputation in the FA Cup.

However, Wenger stressed that there is no agreement with the former Ipswich keeper for him to play in each of Arsenal’s FA Cup games this season.

‘‘Richard Wright had a difficult start to the season. When I decided to push David Seaman back into the team, I told him that he deserved the chance to restore his image,’’ said Wenger.

‘‘Through the FA Cup, he has managed to do that. I have a high opinion of him through that. Maybe he will play in the final, I don’t know, but I will do what I feel will win us the game.’’

Wenger added: ‘‘There is no pact or agreement to play him in every game no matter what happens. Every individual only has one agreement with the club - to do everything to win trophies.’’

Wright has so far played in five FA Cup ties this season, against Liverpool, Gillingham, Newcastle twice - and Middlesbrough.

However, it was Stuart Taylor who was in goal for the FA Cup third round tie against Watford, when Wright was himself sidelined along with Seaman.

‘‘That’s very important,’’ stressed Wenger, who insisted that the unfortunate keeper this time around would not be shattered by his decision.

‘‘I don’t see things in a negative way like that. The most important thing is whether Arsenal Football Club win the FA Cup.

‘‘It was very frustrating to lose last year’s final so we have shown a lot of character and resilience to get back to the final. Now we want to win it.

‘‘Some people have said I have a big selection problem. But the biggest problem is not having any choices to make.

‘‘The FA Cup final is a big game but we have been playing cup finals for the past three months and have another two after that against Manchester United and Everton.’’

Wenger’s other selection dilemma is whether to restore Sol Campbell to the side after recovering from injury, possibly at the expense of Martin Keown.

‘‘Sol Campbell is fit enough to play and to start if needed,’’ confirmed Wenger after the England defender was only a substitute at Bolton last Monday night.

The Arsenal boss also made it clear that striker Thierry Henry, who missed that game with a hamstring twinge, would be ready for the final.

‘‘Thierry will be fit. I believe that he has been a huge player for us this season. He has scored 30 goals and has also been one of the best providers,’’ he added.