Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe has thanked fans for their support after his return in midweek.

Smith Rowe was handed a rare start by manager Mikel Arteta for their Carabao Cup win against Brentford.

He said, "To hear the fans singing my name was a really proud moment for me and all my family. I had the whole team behind me when I was going through surgery. They all had my back and that definitely made me feel stronger.

"It's such a talented team at Arsenal with so much quality, so I know that I have to stay patient and wait for my chance.

"There is always going to be competition at a massive club like Arsenal and it will always be difficult to cement your place in the team.

"But I really believe in myself now. I have all the right people around me to help so I just have to keep going and I am sure my chance will come."