Reyes has own goal nightmares

The Spaniard was handed his full debut by Arsene Wenger in a depleted side for the Carling Cup semi-final at The Riverside against Middlesbrough.

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg but drawing 1-1 on the night, the ten-man visitors were still in the tie and had a chance of making the final, before Reyes popped up and scored an own goal.

The former Sevilla star says that he is bitterly disappointed at scoring in his own net, and that it has kept him awake at night.

"I am so sorry," said Reyes. "I have not been able to sleep after what happened. I am so sorry for the Arsenal fans.

"For my first goal to make such a negative impact is very distressing. I ask the Arsenal fans to forgive me and I will repay them.

"I promise them I will replace this unhappy situation with happy things."

However, Gunners veteran Ray Parlour is sure that the youngster will not suffer too much because of his disastrous start to life at Highbury.

"Jose will be all right," said Parlour. "He was down but I thought he was more disappointed at not getting the penalty."