Bergkamp ready for Real encounter

Bergkamp has not started regularly for Arsenal in recent weeks

Dennis Bergkamp has told manager Arsene Wenger he is willing to travel to Real Madrid for the first leg of Arsenal's crunch Champions League tie on Tuesday.

The Dutch striker rarely plays in away European games because he is scared of flying but he has offered to make the 2,000-mile round-trip by road.

"I am prepared to go but it's up to the boss," said Bergkamp.

"I am just happy to play in any game but I can't talk about games in Europe when I am not even playing at home."

Bergkamp, 36, has played 23 times for the Gunners this season, but 11 of those appearances have been as substitute.

He missed Tuesday's Premiership defeat to Liverpool with a calf strain.

It's important we get a goal in the Bernabeu Dennis Bergkamp

Defeat to Real would leave Wenger's side with only the Premiership to concentrate on.

But Bergkamp believes the Gunners can upset the Spanish giants.

"It's important we get a goal in the Bernabeu," he said.

"If we score then we know we have a great chance in the return leg at Highbury. If we can do that then we have a very good chance of going through."

New signing Theo Walcott, 16, has also been tipped for a place in Wenger's squad to face Real.