Football
Mattias Karen, Arsenal correspondent 8y

Nottingham Forest's Nicklas Bendtner can still make it to top - Arsene Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is convinced Nottingham Forest striker Nicklas Bendtner can still resurrect his career if he stays "fit" and "hungry."

Wenger came up against the former Gunner in Arsenal's 4-0 win over Forest in the EFL Cup third round on Tuesday following his arrival at the Championship side earlier this month.

Bendtner, 28, has struggled since he was let go by Arsenal in 2014, but Wenger said he spoke to his ex-player after the game to offer him words of encouragement.

"I told him that he's fit, determined and focused and that he's combative," Wenger told 6'eren. "That's what you want from him. He's still only 28, so if he keeps fit he still has a chance to come back to the top level.

"I think a hungry Nicklas Bendtner can score goals against anybody, and that's what you want from him. He's intelligent and honest. So he knows that he made some mistakes in his career. And he's intelligent enough to rectify those and young enough to put things right."

Bendtner nearly came back to haunt his old club in the first half on Tuesday, setting up Pajtim Kasami for an early chance only to see his teammate shoot wide, before firing just off target himself with a curling effort from the edge of the area.

He was given a loud ovation by the Arsenal supporters when he was taken off late in the game.

"He did fight like mad, he wanted to make life difficult for us. And he did, in fairness," Wenger said. "He gave everything."

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