Eboue cup dreams on hold

Emmanuel Eboue is putting World Cup thoughts on hold to help Arsenal in Europe.

Emmanuel Eboue is putting World Cup thoughts on hold to help Arsenal reach the UEFA Champions League final.

The exciting full back will cap an impressive second half of the season by appearing in Ivory Coast's World Cup finals debut in the summer.

But before the 22-year-old heads to Germany, Eboue wants to concentrate on the imminent task of Arsenal's semi-final against Villarreal.

The Gunners travel to El Madrigal for Tuesday's second leg with a 1-0 advantage and Eboue admits his club are currently the priority.

"I'm not thinking about that yet," Eboue told The Independent about playing at the World Cup.

"I'm just concentrating on the Champions League.

"I think we should have scored more [in the first leg]. The hard work is by no means over."

Though Eboue is rapidly becoming an important figure in the Arsenal side, having replaced the injured Lauren at right back, he is trying to deflect the growing attention.

He added: "Well, to be honest, this is my job and I work hard at it.

"My job right now is to play well and the boss has faith in me which has helped.

"All I can do is put the maximum into the game and hope for good results."