By Michael Lynch
January 24 2004

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger stillhold the FA Challenge cup in high regard and is using today's match to rest Henry, and give Bergkamp a chance.

Arsene Wenger believes that it will be a long time before veteran forward Dennis Bergkamp "Loses it!"

"Dennis is like a 20-year-old. His desire to practice and play is always the same, even at this stage of his career. I must say that's the similarity between him and Martin Keown," he said.

And he isn't just going to be using the Dutchman because it's not a league match. The boss still holds this tournament in very high regard.

"The FA Cup has an importance for us. I use the Carling Cup to give some players experience but, apart from Thierry, I will pick our strongest available team against Middlesbrough," he added.

"We try to be possessive about the FA Cup. We have a special link with it and would like to win it again.

"But Middlesborough are a tough team. You know that you have to do the business as otherwise you will be off the train. You have to deliver on the day."

He then took the time to comment on the mis-match between Scarborough and Chelski, and he doesn't expect Scarborough to lie down either.

"Knowing the English spirit, I'm not scared that Scarborough won't give everything to win the game," he observed.

"I'm not shocked by it but maybe, for other reasons, it might have been better not to come out with it before the game.

"But it's still good that Chelsea can do it - it shows they can afford it now!"

 

 

 

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