Blackburn Rovers striker Jordan Rhodes admits praise from Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has inspired him.

The Gunners boss called him a special talent and revealed he was surprised that he had not gone to a big club as a youngster. Rhodes was touched.

He told the Daily Star Sunday: "I saw what ­Arsene Wenger said about me and I was chuffed to bits. I was really flattered for a man of his calibre - and what he's done in the game - to say such nice things about me.

"I didn't even think he would know who I was, to be honest. I was very flattered and fortunately we got a result at The Emirates.

"Winning at The Emirates was one of the best moments of my career so far."