SO, you can't teach an old dog new tricks...Arsene Wenger can, writes PETER WHITE.

And, ironically, the eloquent Frenchman's triumphant march into Highbury's marble halls earlier this season, offers a ray - or should that be Roy? - of hope to Blackburn Rovers.

For in Roy Hodgson, a continental coach in all but nationality, Rovers believe they have found the man who can have a similar effect at Ewood when he arrives in summer.

Wenger's achievements should not be underestimated.

He inherited an Arsenal defence which many felt was past its sell-by date.

Average age of the Gunners back five is 32 - higher than the meagre number of goals they have conceded in 34 games this season to boast the Premiership's best defensive record.

Yet, not only has the wily Wenger maintained Arsenal's deep-rooted traditions of stingy defence, long-established under the George Graham reign, he has also enabled them to create a whole new image.

"Boring, boring Arsenal" - Don't you believe it.

The sight of Tony Adams playing one-twos in the opposition penalty area and 33-year-old wing backs Lee Dixon and Nigel Winterburn scampering up and down the flanks like a couple of trainees is testimony to the transformation.

A resurgence in Martin Keown's international career - he praised the influence of Wenger - is another indication of the way in which the new coach has changed a side notorious for its steel into one now also being applauded for its skills.

Some might say he has made a silk purse from a sow's ear.

But the technique of top English footballers has never been as far behind that of the continentals as many critics have claimed.

It just needs applying in the right way, with the appropriate tactics.

Wenger, clearly, takes a huge slice of the credit. In a recent interview, Adams - the man who has epitomised Arsenal for years - confessed he was ready to depart when the club made the decision to establish a French connection.

But now, he couldn't be more content.

If the sophisitication their new coach has brought to an Arsenal team, known in the past more for brawn than brain, can be repeated by Hodgson at Ewood, the long-term outlook for Rovers supporters is already distinctly brighter.

Wenger has yet to make a spectacular attack on the transfer market - expect that this summer - but he has dabbled effectively, notably for Frenchmen Remi Garde and Patrick Vieira.

Midfielder Vieira, previously unknown to the vast majority of English fans despite his presence in the AC Milan squad, has proved one of the season's finest signings.

He was, deservedly, in the running for the PFA's young player of the year award and looks capable of developing into a giant talent.

Rovers fans saw that in one glorious move when the midfielder set up Ian Wright for a crucial goal in the first meeeting between the clubs at Ewood early this season.

Considering that Hodgson has wider European experience than Wenger, Rovers will be looking to their new boss to unearth a few gems in the Vieira mould.

That, however, is for the future, the reality is the present and the desperate need for points by both teams.

Tomorrow's clash at Highbury could have a significant bearing on that future, especially as far as Rovers are concerned.

With Ian Wright and Dennis Bergkamp proving an irresistible scoring combination in attack, the old guard battening down the hatches at the back and Vieira providing both power and panache in midfield, Arsenal offer a formidable test.

It might not yet be good enough to take them to the title but, with the right sort of strengthening, Wenger could be a winner soon.

Rovers, meanwhile, must secure their short-term objective and ensure a trip to Highbury for Hodgson next season - as a Premiership manager.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.