Almunia's in a bullish mood

Arsene Wenger has an unrivalled reputation for spotting and developing cut-price talent. But all his previous achievements in turning rough diamonds into glittering jewels will pale in comparison if he manages to turn Manuel Almunia into one of Europe's top goalkeepers.

The 27-year-old Spaniard is set to keep his place for the critical Champions League clash with Rosenborg at Highbury tonight. He was given his chance ahead of Jens Lehmann last Saturday against Birmingham in the Premiership.

Almunia joined Arsenal from Celta Vigo in July and his record before last weekend consisted of three Carling Cup appearances - with a howler at Manchester United among them.

The details of the rest of his career are not much more impressive.

He started his career at Osasuna but only made it into their B team. After spells at minnows Cartagonova and Sabadell, he got his first big break with a move to Celta Vigo in 2001.

But Almunia never played for them and was loaned to three clubs in as many years. Arsenal's move for him came completely out of the blue. No one else made an offer and Almunia said: "I thought it was a joke but, when I realised the interest was genuine, I was proud."

Almunia has earned the respect of his Arsenal team-mates with his sensational shot-stopping in training and his courage with crosses.

That he is fearless should come as no surprise. He grew up in Pamplona, the Spanish town where there is an annual bull running festival.