Arsenal defender Rob Holding is grateful to manager Arsene Wenger for his late season backing.

Holding is set to start the FA Cup final on Saturday against Chelsea.

He joined the club last summer in a £2million deal from Bolton and was thought to be open to a spell away from the Gunners in order to gain more first-team experience but Wenger opposed a deal.

Holding told the London Evening Standard: “I didn't leave in January as the boss wanted me around the team. He saw me playing.

“I just had to listen to him and keep working hard on the things he mentioned. That has spoken for itself over the last few games.

“I got a look in at the start of the season and then some cup games. After that it was just about being on the training pitch, putting the work in and getting another chance. Since I got the chance, I've managed to take it and the boss has shown some faith in me to keep me in the team."