Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has backed Vito Mannone to handle the pressure in Tuesday's Champions League clash with Montpellier HSC.

The 24-year-old, who will start for the Gunners in France after Wojciech Szczesny was ruled out with an ankle injury, has been told that he has the required "mental strength".

"Vito is very close [to the Arsenal number one jersey], and he gets another opportunity now. He has belief and he has the mental strength to deal with that," Wenger told reporters.

Mannone has already made two appearances for the club this season.