Former Arsenal captain Gilberto Silva has called on Jack Wilshere to prove his quality in today's Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.

England midfielder Wilshere has been stung by Roy Keane's savage claim that he is ­“probably the most overrated player on the planet" ahead of today's Wembley clash.

Gilberto told the Mirror: “Jack was supposed to be an Arsenal player who was going to be playing at the top level for many years.

“I still remember when I first saw him. Jack was about 16 years old and I can remember how easy it was to see his ­talent on that first day when he trained with the squad.

“You could see the quality – and you never lose that ­quality.

“He is brave with the ball and has good vision. Arsenal need a player like him.

“But the last few years have been a struggle. Jack has ­suffered with ­injuries and then was ­allowed to go on loan to Bournemouth.

“From the outside, it looked like he had lost his direction.

“But, in my opinion, all the ­problems he's had will have taught him a lot.

“If he didn't have strength then it would have been impossible to get through the frustration he has suffered with injuries.

“This game against City is a big opportunity for him.

“When you play in a final, against a big team, the best players look at it as a chance to do well. It is a special game, the chance to show that you have the strength to ­become a champion.Hopefully he can show how good he is ­because Arsenal need ­players like him who ­understand the ­club's culture."