MARTIN Keown is not a name that has been on too many lips during the raging bouts of speculation over what will be Terry Venables' final summer selection to contest Euro 96.

But the Arsenal defender, who won the last of his 11 England caps as a substitute against Germany in Detroit nearly three years ago, has at least one man to champion his cause - Gunners boss Bruce Rioch.

Highbury's defensive rock Tony Adams has been battling against the clock to return to the side in time for tomorrow's game against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood.

But the job of leading the team in the lengthy absence of Adams has fallen to Keown and, according to his manager, he has handled it as capably as anyone in the fight for UEFA Cup qualification.

It may even have helped his own form, rather than detract from it, and Rioch rates the former Everton and Aston Villa defender - now enjoying his second stint with the Gunners - as good enough to be in Venables' thinking.

"Martin has done very well in the role as captain and he is playing as well as he has ever done," said Rioch who runs a club where they know all about good defending. "He is in good condition, very quick and fit, has tremendous determination and has been a handful for forwards.

"If the England manager is looking for a different type of player to play in his back line - if he was going to go for three central defenders and have the need for a marker or somebody with an extra bit of pace - then Martin's form is currently excellent.

"He has done very well and I've been very pleased with his performances this season. He was solid in midfield but I do believe he is a better defensive player.

"And, while Terry might have his team or players selected for the championships, sometimes a surprise name is thrown in because of the need.

"With Pallister out, he has brought Southgate (also now injured) and Ehiogu in, but Keown is as competent if not better than those players."

Keown, whose career began with Arsenal, served both Aston Villa and Everton before making his Highbury return.

With Arsenal he has been used in a variety of roles, sometimes in Europe to do a specific man-marking job and he has rarely let the team down.

"When I was at Everton, it was the fans who got me into the England side and now the Arsenal fans are lifting me," said Keown.

"Being captain gives you a bit more respect and that air of confidence and I enjoy the responsibility."

If Arsenal get the better of tomorrow's clash and go on to claim a place in Europe, it may well enhance Keown's claims to be considered by his country.

But Rovers forwards will be looking to do a little bit of damage to a growing reputation.

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