JOHAN Djourou thinks Arsenal have a good future ahead of them after appearing for the reserves last night against Portsmouth, writes James Randall. .

The 21-year-old Swiss international was the eldest of ten outfield players to appear in the 2-0 victory over the south coast side last night, and the defender liked what he saw.

He told the club's official website: "It is very good for Arsenal's future, I see them every day on the training field and you can see their improvement each time they play, or even when they join in with the first-team.

He added: "Their improvement has been big."

Djourou has been on the injured list since the start of 2008 with a groin problem, and continued his recovery lining up for the reserves.

But the defender thinks that the difference between the first and reserve sides is minimal.

He continued: "It is the same way of thinking right down to the kids at Arsenal. We all want to play the same way and that is the way the boss wants us to play. That was shown today in a two goal victory."

The Swiss star says that it was a pleasure to play with the younger players, as their work rate is so high.

"Of course it is easy to slot in with these players," said Djourou.

"They have the ability and I know that when I play with them I have talented people around me. They work hard and they all want to make it so it is a pleasure to be with them."