Bendtner wants hands on Carling Cup

Nicklas Bendtner has challenged Arsenal to win the Carling Cup and use it as a springboard to the Barclays Premier League title.

The Gunners are favourites for the trophy having been drawn against npower Championship strugglers Ipswich in the semi-finals - the first leg is at Portman Road on Wednesday night - with either West Ham or Birmingham awaiting them if they reach the final at Wembley.

Much has been made of Arsenal's long run without silverware, the last being the 2005 FA Cup, but Bendtner believes winning the Carling Cup next month would lead to bigger prizes.

"We need to make sure we go there and keep our run going. For me, we have to get to the final of the Carling Cup," Bendtner said.

"It would be fantastic to win a trophy early on in the season and have something to show for our work already.

"Last season, Manchester United won it and went on to take the Premier League too. Let's hope we can do the same."