SUCH is the French influence at Highbury, it is surely only a matter of time before they take to the field to the sound of the Marseillaise.

And while manager Wenger, hit-man Henry and the mighty Vieira might be grabbing most of the headlines, winger Robert Pires has been peerless this season.

The man who helped turn the Euro 2000 final when he came on as a late substitute is flying at the moment and while a number of top names have been left out tonight he looks certain to start.

Quick, skilful and with an eye for goal he will be sure to give the whole of the Rovers defence plenty to think about, given his ability to play down either flank as well as cut inside.

Rovers, however, have two flying wingers of their own in Keith Gillespie and Damien Duff.

And Gillespie, in particular, has caught in the eye in recent weeks with a number of telling contributions.

He has sparkled against the Premiership's top sides with goals against the Gunners and Manchester United already to his name this season.

He has proved he can be a more than capable match-winner on his day.