Nicklas Bendtner believes winning the Carling Cup next month could propel Arsenal to the Premier League title.
The Gunners are favourites to lift the trophy having been drawn against floundering Championship side Ipswich in the semi-finals, with the first leg at Portman Road on Wednesday night.
Progression to the final would see Arsene Wenger’s men take on either West Ham or Birmingham at Wembley, where they would bid to end a six-year wait for silverware.
And Bendtner feels success in the tournament could work as a springboard to bigger prizes.
“We need to make sure we go there and keep our run going. For me, we have to get to the final of the Carling Cup,” said Bendtner.
“It would be fantastic to win a trophy early on in the season and have something to show for our work already.
“Last season, Manchester United won it and went on to take the Premier League too. Let’s hope we can do the same.”
Start
After finding himself on the fringes of the first team again this season, 23-year-old Bendtner started Saturday’s FA Cup tie against Leeds, playing the full 90 minutes.
Limited playing time had prompted the striker to make some outspoken comments on his future before Christmas which resulted in him being left out of the squad altogether, but the young Dane hopes his recent difficult spell is now behind him.
“A few things may have been interpreted not exactly the way I said them, but it is true I was disappointed because anyone who isn’t playing wants to be in the team, I am no different,” he said.
“But I think maybe it got talked up a little too much because I also said Arsenal is the club I have been at for a long time and remains the club where I want to play.
“I believe I am good enough to play and there have never been any talks about leaving or anything like that, it is just naturally frustrating if you are not in the side and that’s the same for any player.
“All you can do as a player is be patient and keep putting yourself in the manager’s mind, hopefully he then picks you. After that it is your responsibility to take the chance.”
