Bendtner:"I'm in the best shape ever!"

Nicklas Bendtner has declared himself fit for  Arsenal's clash with Birmingham on Saturday, insisting that he is in the best physical condition of his life.

The Denmark striker has not played for the North London club this season after aggravating an injured groin in last summer's World Cup.

But Bendtner also revealed that he is so confident about his fitness, he does not feel the need to play in any reserve games in order to be match-sharp.

'It feels absolutely fantastic,' Bendtner said. 'I am sure that I will be involved in the Arsenal game on Saturday, which I am looking so much forward to after my long injury break.

'I actually believed that I would have to play a couple of reserve games to be completely match fit, but after training with the Arsenal staff and physical trainer, I am probably in the best physical shape ever.

'Last week I was training with my team-mates for five days, and then we had the weekend off, and I had no trouble at all training.'