Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has hailed veteran defender Mikael Silvestre for being a huge influence on the club's young players.

Silvestre has had a bit-part role on the field at Arsenal since his arrival from Manchester United last January.

"Mikael is a quiet leader," Wenger said. "He is highly respected in the dressing room.

"He's a positive guy who helps the young players. The best help, of course, is if we can keep winning. For me, he doesn't get enough praise for both his attitude and his quality.

"But he has a job of marshalling the team. He has an important role to play. He was absolutely fantastic in our match against Manchester City. His commitment to the cause in that game was absolutely fantastic."