Toure praise for Eduardo

Gunners defender impressed by Croatian

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 7th January 2008

Kolo Toure Arsenal defender

Toure: Happy with Eduardo

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Kolo Toure has paid tribute to the deadly finishing of Arsenal team-mate Eduardo da Silva.

The Croatian continued his excellent form on Sunday with a goal and an assist in Arsenal's 2-0 FA Cup victory over Burnley.

Toure has been impressed by Eduardo's coolness in front of goal, and believes his partnership with fellow youngster Nicklas Bendtner will inspire Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie to better performances.

"Eduardo's finishing is unbelievable," said Toure. "It seems that every time he gets a chance he scores - and he also manages to score at very important times for us. His composure is outstanding when he is in front of goal.

"He has now played with Nicklas for some time and they know each other's games very well and they look a very good partnership.

"It is great for us to have them playing so well, especially as we have Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor ready to come back - it means we will have four top-class strikers."

Toure and Emmanuel Eboue have flown out to join the Ivory Coast squad ahead of the African Cup of Nations, while Alexandre Song is in the Cameroon squad.

The players could miss up to nine Arsenal games but Toure expects to be able to come back and still be in a position to challenge for silverware.

Toure has especially high hopes of Arsenal going all the way in the FA Cup.

He said: "We know that it is difficult for the clubs. We just have to go and try to bring some happiness to the people in our countries in Africa.

"We know the FA Cup is very special and that's why we are happy we are going forward in the competition.

"We really want to win it but we know there is a long way to go."