Former Gunner Steve Bould and Michael Gray have also overcome injury while Kevin Kilbane comes into contention after being cup-tied at Tranmere.

BBC: Gunners look to regain initiative

Strachan said he had no qualms about signing a 34-year-old, pointing to the example of Richard Gough and Dave Watson at Everton and Steve Bould at Sunderland.

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He even nipped back to play a key role in the mostly English Under-18 side which won the FA Premier Academy League and FA Youth Cup double under Steve Bould in 2009.

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Steve Bould moved to Sunderland four years ago.

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Defenders Luke Ayling (17), Craig Eastmond (18), Cedric Evina (17) and 18-year-old keeper James Shea have all been signed on by the Gunners following an impressive campaign which also saw the youngsters win the FA Premier Academy League under the guidance of former defender Steve Bould.

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