Arsenal have often being criticised for a lack of English talent in their ranks, with Theo Walcott and Justin Hoyte the only regulars in Arsene Wenger's first-team squad.

However, the Gunners have a strong home-grown contingent in their youth set-up, and hopes are high for the likes of Henri Lansbury, who has featured in the Carling Cup.

Arsenal Academy coach Steve Bould told the club's website www.arsenal.com "What's important is that we are getting a lot of good kids in and it is a big bonus that lots of them are English and I have to say that they are very, very good players.

"We certainly don't know how far they are going to get - but we have a lot of good English players.

"That is great for the club and the fans want to see English lads in there, and they also want to see good players and we have plenty of those from home and abroad."