LONDON - ARSENAL midfielder Abou Diaby believes he is now mentally strong enough to live up to comparisons with Gunners legend Patrick Vieria.

After several seasons as a bit-part player at Arsenal, Diaby has become a key member of Arsene Wenger's squad over the last year and should feature in Wednesday's Champions League clash against AZ Alkmaar at the Emirates Stadium.

The Frenchman, who joined Arsenal from Auxerre in 2006, has a similar physique and style to his compatriot Vieira, whose superb displays in midfield were a key factor in the club's Premier League title triumphs.

Diaby believes his game is different to Vieira's but he relishes the comparison with such a famous name and is determined to emulate the Inter Milan star's success in north London.

If the 23-year-old does reach those heights, he knows the challenge of recovering from a serious ankle injury suffered after a horrific foul from Sunderland's Dan Smith in 2006 will have played a key role.

'It was a difficult time. Definitely mentally I am stronger because I had a lot of problems in the past. Even in the games I am getting more confidence as well,' Diaby said on Tuesday. 'It is a compliment if people compare me to Vieira. People make the comparison because we play the same position and even physically I look like him a little bit. But I think our game is a bit different.' -- AFP