When boyhood Arsenal fan Carl joined the Club last summer, he fulfilled a lifelong dream - but he faced an immediate test of character.

An injury to Bacary Sagna saw him handed his chance in the high-pressure Champions League play-off matches against Udinese, and he delivered two composed displays. But the next game, at Manchester United, saw the young full back sent off in a heavy defeat.

It was sink-or-swim time but the Finland Under-21 international is made of stern stuff and he responded superbly, brushing off that disappointment to develop into a high-energy, marauding right back over the following months. A back injury stalled his progress and he was sidelined for more than three months, but he returned in time to play his part in the north London derby victory over Tottenham in February.

Further appearances against Wolves and West Bromwich Albion capped off an encouraging campaign and he will be hoping to go to the next level this season.

It has been a rapid rise for Carl, who had been on loan at non-league Eastbourne Borough seven months before his move from Charlton Athletic to Arsenal. He only made nine first-team appearances for the Addicks but his rich potential was enough to convince Arsène Wenger to bring him to Emirates Stadium. It could well prove to be another masterstroke.