Wenger wants fully firing Bendtner

Arsene Wenger is optimistic Arsenal fans will soon see the best of Nicklas Bendtner.

The 22-year-old Dane is in line to make his first appearance of the season against Birmingham on Saturday after recovering from a groin problem which he aggravated at the World Cup.

Wenger accepts Bendtner has only shown his potential on a handful of occasions but is confident the Dane can find some consistency, and said: "Let's not forget that since last November Nicklas has produced here and there, but never had a consistent presence because of his injuries. Apart from the fact he went to the World Cup we have not seen the real Nicklas Bendtner for a long, long time."

He added: "He is the closest he has been to his best for a while.

"He was really, really handicapped by groin problems, but they have gone now."

Theo Walcott - who had been in fine early-season form - was sidelined after suffering ankle ligament damage when playing for England in Switzerland on September 7.

"Theo might be involved on Saturday as well," Wenger said.

"I might put him in the squad. I will see how he is, but he looks very, very sharp.

"The only uncertainty is his ankle, but he might be involved."