Stack steps back in fight to get ahead

Graham Stack says it is time for him to impress "the important people".

The Arsenal goalkeeper is spending this season on loan at Millwall and is determined to make his mark.

He has been at Highbury since he was a schoolboy but knows his first-team opportunities are limited. Arsene Wenger has Jens Lehmann as his first-choice stopper and has been impressed with summer signing Manuel Almunia.

Stuart Taylor is also on the books there and Stack, 22, knows he has his work cut out to make a breakthrough with only two years left on his contract. He sees this season as key and is focused on proving that he is good enough for the top flight.

In fact, his determination is such that he is one of the few Arsenal players for whom Patrick Vieira's transfer saga is of little interest.

Stack said: "That it is not my worry. My concern is Millwall. I want to further my career, whether it be at Arsenal or elsewhere, and this is a great opportunity to prove to people I am capable of playing at that level.

"I am hoping important people take note. I just have to do the best for myself so that at the end of the year, or the end of my contract, I will have options.

"I have no frustrations about Arsenal, they have been great to me. I know it is up to me to influence-people there and this season could open a lot of doors." For that to happen, Stack will have to establish himself as Millwall's first choice.