Arsenal's exciting English defender Kyle Bartley says the arrival of former Manchester United centre-half Mikael Silvestre has been a big boost.

"When I was younger I always looked up to Rio Ferdinand but I admire any of the top centre halves like John Terry or Nemanja Vidic," Bartley told arsenal.com. "I can pick up how to attack the ball, being brave, staying composed when you are in possession. Vidic and Terry are obviously amazing in the air and have so much courage.

"The Arsenal first-teamers are fantastic as well. When I train they are always helping me out and talking me through the session. It's great to learn off players like that. Mikael Silvestre for example is a really experienced player, he has won almost everything. He's a really nice guy too and if he can help you he will."