And yet, when Wenger first arrived at Highbury, Parlour was considered one of the players most likely to be surplus to requirements.

Previously Parlour had a reputation as one of Arsenal's drinking set and had been involved in a scuffle with a taxi driver on a club tour to the Far East.

But Parlour got his act together and Wenger's faith in him has been repaid. Over the last three years he has been one of Arsenal's most consistent performers.

He was called up to the England squad for the first time in March 1998, and although he was named by Glenn Hoddle in an initial 30-man squad he failed to make the final 22 for France 98.

He has been consistently selected by Kevin Keegan, winning his first cap as a substitute against Poland and then starting England's 6-0 win over Luxembourg.

Were it not for David Beckham's tenancy on the right side of midfield Parlour would probably have won more England caps and if Keegan chooses to play Beckham in central midfield then Parlour is a good option on the right.

His main strengths are his boundless energy and surging runs but his final ball and erratic shooting sometimes let him down.