Vieira dismisses striker shortage

Vieira believes the Gunners can still thrive

Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira says he is not overly concerned by the Gunners' lack of experienced attacking options.

French duo Sylvain Wiltord and Jeremie Aliadiere are injured while Nigerian Kanu is on African Nations Cup duty.

Thierry Henry will be rested against Middlesbrough on Saturday, leaving the returning Dennis Bergkamp as Arsenal's only experienced option in attack.

But Vieira told Football Focus: "We have some quality players and many options. We're not worried about it."

Arsenal face Middlesbrough in the FA Cup fourth round at Highbury on Saturday hoping to avenge Tuesday's 1-0 Carling Cup defeat.

It will be the sides' third meeting in 14 days, with each team having won one game apiece.

Vieira said: "It will be exciting, because we beat them in the League and they beat us at home in the Cup, and I think their self belief is back.

"But the FA Cup is quite different and we know how important it is to go and win it.

"It is going to be a really exciting game and we can't wait."