Gibbs pays Bould tribute

After rising through Arsenal's esteemed youth academy, Kieran Gibbs has paid tribute to the role of youth coach and Gunners legend Steve Bould, for the influence he has had on his development.

The 22-year-old is adamant that Bould, along with his fellow coaches have had a massive impact on not only him, but fellow graduates Wojciech Szczesny, Jack Wilshere and Emmanuel Frimpong in the past few years.

"Steve Bould had a big influence on me," said Gibbs. "Obviously he was my manager for two years and I think it was at an important stage in my development as well.

"He taught me a lot and he taught a lot of the other players as well how to live on and off the pitch."

The fact that a number of Arsenal's younger contingent of players now plying their trade in Arsene Wenger's senior side all came through at a similar time can only benefit the club in the long-term, as Gibbs and Co. look to build a strong team bond, and even stronger work ethic.

"Wojciech's a similar age, a bit younger, but those players were playing with us for a few years so we all know each other quite well," he added.

"We know what each other can do, which always helps."