Arsene Wenger backs underused Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud: 'When I go into a big game... I can rely on him'  

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Olivier Giroud may have lost his starting place for Arsenal, but Arsene Wenger has praised the France international's resilience and insists he can always 'rely on him'.

The 30-year-old has not started a Premier League game this season - and has been sidelined since injuring his toe in a Champions League clash with Paris Saint Germain on September 13, with Wenger preferring to use Alexis Sanchez as his central striker.

The Gunners boss, however, insists the Frenchman has the mental strength to change people's opinions of him, especially in the most important games of the season. 

Olivier Giroud can always be relied on, according to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger

Giroud, who has not started a Premier League games this season, has been sidelined by a foot injury picked up against PSG in the Champions League in September

Arsene Wenger says: 'When his back is to the wall, he has an answer every time'

'I am an admirer of Giroud because he has gone through some tough times and he bounces back, Wenger told the Guardian.

'When his back is to the wall, he has an answer every time. When I go into a big game, you always think: ''I can rely on him.'' You know that when the competition starts, he will be with you.'

Wenger has preferred to use Alexis Sanchez (right) as his central striker this term

Giroud won over doubting France fans by scoring three goals during Euro 2016

Giroud has also come under pressure on the international stage but he won over France supporters with his performances at Euro 2016, where he scored three goals on their route to the final.

'Before the competition, the supporters didn't want him,' Wenger said. 'But he turned them around. That's one of the strengths of Olivier. He is mentally very strong.

'The criticism does knock him. He's not made of metal. He's sensitive but sensitive and strong. Everybody wants to be loved. 

'I've never seen anyone who dreams to be hated. But it is dealing with the fact that it doesn't always go your way that makes a man.'