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Arsenal's young Dutch forward Robin van Persie may get another chance to stake his claim for a regular first-team place at Bolton tomorrow - and an opportunity to prove he has learned from his mistakes.
Van Persie incurred manager Arsene Wenger's wrath when he was sent off against Southampton a fortnight ago and has also been involved in several niggly incidents this season. With Thierry Henry set to miss the FA Cup quarter-final trip to Bolton due to a calf strain, the 21-year-old may get a chance to emphasis the positive rather than negative aspects of his game. Van Persie said: 'I am not a dirty player. Far from it. 'In life you never know what is going to happen. Against Southampton I thought `brilliant, I am starting, this is going to be a fantastic match' and then one hour later I got a red card. 'I was very disappointed. At half-time the boss said to everyone to be careful, he spoke to me because I already had a yellow card. 'We kicked off again and five minutes later I had another yellow card and then a red. I was stupid. 'I got my second yellow because I did a little trick in the middle of the park, lost the ball and tried to get it back. 'If I could rewind time I would. It was a mistake and I told the team that after.' Van Persie was a regular for Feyenoord before he moved in the summer but has had to be content with having his first-team outings limited at Arsenal. He added: 'It has been different. The game here is much more physical so the matches I have played have been about getting used to the style of play and adapting to English football. 'I have a small voice in my head though saying `be patient, your time will come'.' The suspension for his red card meant Quincy Owusu-Abeyie started up front in the FA Cup replay against Sheffield United. The pair will contest a starting place at Bolton but whoever gets the shout van Persie predicts great things ahead for his fellow Dutchman. He said: 'Quincy is a fantastic guy. He has done well since the start of the season. He's so very fast and has great technique, he's a joy to watch. 'Some footballers have the pace but no technique, for some it is the other way around. Quincy has both and if he is smart he can be a big player.' Meanwhile, Brazilian midfielder Gilberto may be in line for his first appearance for the Gunners since September after being on the bench in midweek against Bayern Munich.