Fabianski backed to shine as Jens' Arsenal future is in doubt

Lukasz Fabianski was today challenged by Arsene Wenger to battle for the No1 jersey at Arsenal - virtually signalling the end of Jens Lehmann's spell at the club.

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The 22-year-old is almost certain to start at Blackburn - the scene of one of Lehmann's howlers earlier this season - in tonight's Carling Cup quarter-final clash.

Wenger has used the competition to blood a host of youngsters in recent seasons and believes Fabianski has shown enough since his £2m move from Legia Warsaw to displace Almunia as Arsenal's top stopper.

"He's an impressive goalkeeper with tremendous qualities," Wenger said of Fabianski, who has kept two clean sheets from two matches in the Carling Cup.

"I like his intelligence, his physical attributes and his agility.

"It's a great opportunity for the squad players to show what they can do. I have great faith in them. I want them knocking at the door saying: 'We want to be in the first team."

Lehmann's probable omission from tonight's squad sends an ominous message to the veteran German.

Wenger's consistent policy of backing his youth coupled with the club's reluctance to sanction long-term deals to older players and Lehmann's poor form has created a situation where the 38-year-old may have to move on.

He has been linked with a move to Man City and a return to the Bundesliga, knowing he must play regularly to stay as Germany's No1 ahead of Euro 2008.

Missing tonight's match is a blow, especially given Wenger is anticipating a fiery and competitive clash at a venue where Lehmann let the ball slip through his hands to cost the Gunners two points in a 1-1 league draw back in August.

"Blackburn is a very good test," said Wenger. "It always ruffles you up a bit to go up north and Blackburn have a very good team. You see how players respond to pressure and you can detect who is ready and who is not."

Blackburn must also prove they are ready after a 5-3 mauling at Wigan last Saturday.

Rovers manager Mark Hughes said: "We have to turn things around and we know the areas we need to improve. "At the moment I don't think we are competing enough. A quarter final against Arsenal is a great game to get things right again."