Alan Smith praises 'huge' Abou Diaby

Arsenal legend Alan Smith has insisted that Abou Diaby can be a "huge" player for the club this season.

The Frenchman has endured a stop-start career with the Gunners due to injury but has featured in all but one of the side's games so far this campaign.

The 26-year-old made just five appearances last year, but Smith feels that if he stays fit then Diaby can help lead Arsenal to silverware.

"Arsenal have always had fantastic midfielder players," Smith told talkSPORT. "Abou Diaby is one of them.

"Although he didn't have a great game [against Montpellier], he's a fantastic player.

"With those long legs he can rampage through the midfield, he's a powerhouse. Diaby's had a lot of injury problems but if he can stay fit, he'll make a huge difference."

Arsenal travel to Manchester City on Sunday.