Bayern Munich's David Alaba: Patrick Vieira was my hero as a youngster

Austria and Bayern Munich's David Alaba has revealed that Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira was his idol growing up.

Alaba, 23, is hoping to play a pivotal role when his country get their Euro 2016 campaign underway with a game against Hungary on Tuesday.

The Austria captain has been used in various defensive roles with his club but prefers to play in central midfield, a position he regularly occupies with his national team.

The Vienna native told France Football that he loved to watch Vieira playing in a similar role for the Gunners when he was younger.

"In the first place, Patrick Vieira," Alaba said, when asked who his childhood idol was. "What a player! He inspired me through his presence, his style of play, his strong personality. I was a fan of Arsenal, who dominated everything around 10 years ago.

"I only had eyes for Vieira. Our styles don't resemble each other particularly but in this position he's an example, notably in his way of imposing himself in duels."

Alaba has become a close friend of another ex-France international -- his Bayern teammate Franck Ribery.

He said Ribery, 33, had become his "big brother" and "friend for life" after first helping Alaba when the Austrian trained with the first team at the age of 16.

And Alaba said he has since received plenty of important advice from the former Marseille player.

"Of course -- he hasn't stopped giving it to me," Alaba said. "But the advice that struck me most was when he said that I had to first prove myself on the pitch before aiming for nice cars or luxury clothes and that I should in no case cut any corners. I'm very grateful to him for that. He played an important role in my journey."

Meanwhile, Marc Janko is expected to be fit for Austria's game against Hungary.

The 32-year-old striker, who top-scored for his nation in Euro 2016 qualifying with seven goals, was carrying a muscular injury.

But Austria coach Marcel Koller, speaking before the squad departed for Bordeaux, confirmed he has a fully-fit squad available for their Group F opener.

"I have the line-up already in my head," Koller is quoted as saying by kurier.at. "The preparation has worked perfectly. We are well prepared in my view.

"I feel relaxed and loose. Immediately prior to the game a certain tingling is coming, but it has nothing to do with nervousness."