Dennis Bergkamp has voted Patrick Vieira as the ideal man to replace Tony Adams as Arsenal captain. Bergkamp believes the Frenchman's fiery pride makes him the natural successor to Adams when the Gunners and England legend finally hangs up his boots. Vieira has been sent off six times for Arsenal but Bergkamp insists it is that very temperament which makes him a man ready to assume the captain's armband.

Bergkamp said: "Patrick has that posture, attitude and stature that you want in a captain. Everyone looks up to him so why shouldn't he be captain? Patrick's English is good, the fans love him, and I'm sure they'd be delighted to see him take the armband when the time is right."

And Bergkamp took a swipe at the referees who Vieira insists make his Premiership life hell.

Bergkamp added in an interview with FourFourTwo magazine: "It's very difficult for Patrick at the moment because he isn't being allowed to play his own game. This is unfair because he doesn't play over the edge and yet he's still punished. He's an honest player."