Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger praises Charlie Austin

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has praised the "tenacity" that Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin has shown throughout his career.

The frontman, who will go up against Wenger's Gunners on Boxing Day, was playing non-league football for Poole Town five years ago.

Austin has now scored 11 Premier League goals this season following his hat-trick in the 3-2 win over West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

"It's good to see that an English striker who had played in lower divisions has managed to come up," Wenger told BBC Sport.

"That shows mental strength and tenacity - and that is important at the top level.

"It could bring on the idea that there could be other players down there who are good enough to come up to the Premier League but don't get a chance."

Austin has also played for Swindon Town and Burnley during his career.