Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong is expecting a 'test of character' when the Gunners go up against Olympiakos.
Teenager looking forward to Olympiakos clash
Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong is expecting a 'test of character' when the Gunners go up against Olympiakos in their final UEFA Champions League group game on Tuesday night.
Arsene Wenger's men will enter the Athens clash safe in the knowledge that they have already secured progression to the last 16 with a game to spare as Group F winners.
But the Gunners will be keen to wrap up their campaign on a high note with victory in Greece.
Frimpong, who has recently battled his way back to fitness following a serious knee injury, is relishing another opportunity to stake his claim for a regular first team place in what is set to be a white-hot atmosphere at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium.
"This is why you are playing for Arsenal, because you are used to dealing with this kind of stuff," said Ghana-born Frimpong, who came to England when he was eight and was brought up near Tottenham.
"When you are a professional footballer, you want to play in those kind of stadiums and environments.
"Tomorrow is going to be a test of character, not only for me but for others and we have to deal with it."
Doubts
The 19-year-old admits there were times during his rehabilitation when doubts crept in over whether he would have a future with the Gunners.
"I knew I would come back to playing football, but felt I was never going to get my chance at Arsenal again," said Frimpong, who had impressed alongside England midfielder Jack Wilshere in the 2010 Emirates Cup pre-season tournament before suffering ligament damage during a training session in early August.
"But in football you cannot predict anything, and I have just carried on from where I left off, and have that chance again."
Manager Wenger has no doubts Frimpong has the strength of character to come through Tuesday's encounter.
"He is a guy you know you can go to war with him, he has a real winner attitude," the Arsenal manager said.
"Now for him it is to take the final step and get a regular place in the Arsenal team."
