David Bentley has the qualities to become the new Dennis Bergkamp, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said after the forward scored with a delicate chip in their 4-1 win over Middlesbrough in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.

"I believe he has a bit of the characteristics of Bergkamp, who is certainly his idol," a delighted Wenger told reporters.

Arsenal were leading 3-1 at Highbury with a goal from Bergkamp and a double by Fredrik Ljungberg when sub Bentley, set up by Robert Pires, chipped the ball past Boro keeper Mark Schwarzer to wrap up the win.

Former England under-18 captain Bentley, who joined Arsenal as a schoolboy in the summer of 2000, had only made three first team appearances this season.

"He is a very talented player," said Wenger. "A young player coming from the bench who scores after five minutes and chips the ball past the keeper does not lack confidence, especially with his left foot, as he is right-footed."

The Frenchman, though, does not think 19-year-old Bentley is a centre forward. "He is more of a supportive striker. He has to become more mature," he said.

Danger

Arsenal were without Thierry Henry, who is being rested by Wenger, and have also lost Kanu to the African Nations Cup so they had to rely on their midfield players for goals.

"In the short term you can compensate for the absence of Thierry. We created as lot of movement today and (Robert) Pires came in, Ljungberg came in, Bergkamp came in, and they created a lot of danger."

Wenger said he did not know if Henry, who will be back from his short holiday on Sunday, would play against Middlesbrough when Arsenal try to overturn a 1-0 deficit in their League Cup semi-final, second leg clash at the Riverside on Wednesday.

Middlesborugh's second 4-1 defeat at Highbury this season left manager Steve McClaren disappointed but he is looking forward to their fourth encounter with Arsenal in 19 days.

"I think that during the first 35 minutes we were good but eventually we conceded four goals. Now, it's all about Wednesday," he said.

Minor challenge

Earlier on Saturday Chelsea ended the challenge of minor League Scarborough with a 1-0 away win while third division Swansea City caused the surprise of the day with a late, 2-1 comeback win over first division Preston North End.

In the day's later game Bruno Cheyrou scored twice for Liverpool, who beat Newcastle United 2-1 at Anfield.

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