Arsene Wenger hails Nigel Adkins's managerial rise

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed his admiration for his Southampton counterpart Nigel Adkins.

After managing Welsh club Bangor City between 1993 and 1996, the 47-year-old Englishman had a spell as Scunthorpe United's physiotherapist before taking the club's managerial reins in 2006.

Adkins became the Southampton boss in 2010 and won them back-to-back promotions, steering them to the Premier League for the 2012-13 season in the process.

"It is interesting, it shows you that there is no predetermined way to get to the manager's job - it is just down to someone's qualities," Wenger told Arsenal's official website.

"He had a very peculiar [route] to get the job but he has done well. I had the chance to see him when we played down at Southampton in pre-season.

"He is a very interesting man who wants to get information, and did that in a very convincing way. I am impressed with how well he has done and the way he has done it."

Arsenal will host Southampton at the Emirates in their Premier League clash on Saturday.