John Hartson: 'Granit Xhaka could still have Arsenal future'

John Hartson has suggested that Granit Xhaka needs to be 'humble' in a bid to regain the backing of Arsenal's supporters.

Last month, Xhaka reacted angrily when fans cheered his substitution against Crystal Palace - behaviour which has resulted in the midfielder missing four matches and being stripped of the club captaincy.

However, while reports are suggesting that Xhaka could be allowed to leave the Emirates Stadium in January, Hartson feels that the 27-year-old still has a window of opportunity to salvage his Gunners career.

The Welshman told The Mirror: "You win the fans back by being humble, being professional and putting in wonderful performances. He's a good player, he's been playing for Arsenal for a number of years, and now he has got to take on a strong mentality to rise to the occasion.

"Sometimes you have to find an inner strength, deal with what you've done, don't sulk and move on rather than throwing your toys out of the pram.

"Yes, he will get a tough time from supporters initially, but this is where he's got to go and show the character that got him the captaincy in the first place. Arsenal is never about one person or one manager. The club will be there in a hundred years, it is bigger than one player."

Xhaka still has over three-and-a-half years remaining on his contract.