'Unbelievable' Keown will win more, says Wenger

Arsene Wenger has backed his “unbelievable” ageless ace Martin Keown to claim more silverware before he hangs up his boots.

Wenger insists his 37-year-old defender will continue to play a pivotal role in the Gunners’ chase for European and domestic glory.

Keown marked yet another return from injury and suspension by leading his inexperienced team-mates into the Carling Cup semi-finals at West Brom on Tuesday night.

The Gunners boss hailed Keown’s performance and predicted there would be many more to come.

Wenger said: “Martin Keown is unbelievable. It is amazing that he can come back at his age from seven weeks out and is outstanding.

“Taking it easy does not exist for Martin. It is his way of life and I think he will be just the same when he is 60.”

Keown did incur the wrath of the Albion fans for two first-half challenges which could have earned the home side a spot-kick.

First he tangled with striker Rob Hulse and was then involved in a more clear-cut challenge on Andy Johnson, both of which were ignored by referee Matt Messias.

Wenger admitted: “Maybe there was one incident where the ball was in the air and he had his hands on the shirt of a West Brom player, but he decided not to give a penalty.”

But Keown knows full well that his claim on an Arsenal first-team shirt is becoming increasingly tenuous as the years go by.

And he was given another glimpse of the future this week by the performance alongside him of young Greek Stathis Tavlaridis.

Tavlaridis also impressed Wenger who predicted a bright future for the 23-year-old who gained experienced on loan at Portsmouth last season.

Tavlaridis showed his fiery side in numerous clashes with Albion striker Scott Dobie and earned a yellow card in the first half.

Wenger said: “I was impressed with him because he got stuck in but I was a little bit scared after his first yellow card.

“Some of the balls were 50-50 but in the second half in particular Stathis did very well.”