Hal Robson-Kanu has revealed the influence Arsene Wenger had on his career in the early stages.

The Wales international joined the Gunners' youth academy back in 1999 before moving to Reading five years later, and admits that the Frenchman instilled in him the level of professionalism and standards required to make it at the top.

“Without a doubt," the 27-year-old told the Daily Mail of Wenger having a positive impact.

“He influenced my professionalism, training in a certain way, not letting your standards slip, Wenger brought that to Arsenal and it filtered through the whole club down to youth level."

Robson-Kanu, who is preparing with the Dragons for the Euro2016 semi-final against Portugal on Wednesday night, also said that getting the opportunity to watch the likes of Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Robert Pires play and train closely also contributed to where he finds himself today.

“They taught you to play a certain way of football and encouraged it," added the free agent who finished a 12-year spell with Reading at the end of last season.

“It has helped throughout my career. I was fortunate enough to have that background."