Mathieu Debuchy still has an Arsenal future believes Arsene Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hailed the rebirth of Mathieu Debuchy after the full-back completed his journey from doomed outcast to the first team with his first goal for three years in the Europa League.

On a night where the Gunners hit BATE Borisov for six at The Emirates Stadium, Debuchy began the rout with a thunderous shot which flew beyond goalkeeper Denis Scherbitski in the first half.

The goal follows successive seasons in which Debuchy's career lurched from one failure to another. He made just one Arsenal appearance last term - a 16-minute cameo against Bournemouth before injury ended his involvement - having made just seven for the north Londoners the previous year which ended on loan at Bordeaux.

Such was the bleak nature of Debuchy's career at Arsenal the club were prepared to allow him to leave for free 12 months before his contract was due to expire. The ex-Newcastle United defender then spoke of his frustration when moves to Nice and Brighton and Hove Albion collapsed late in the window.

But Debuchy has completed an about-turn this season and having started five times in all competitions Wenger will now consider the 32-year-old for regular outings.

"He is mentally strong," he explained. "I said many times in this job you never give up no matter was happens to you. You must be ready when you are needed. Not many can do that. Mathieu can do that."

The Arsenal boss added: "He is under contract and that is down to his performances now and I open the door for him many times because he didn't play. He has Bellerin in front of him and Ainsley [Maitland-Niles] can play right and left.

"I consider him like anybody else and I must say I have huge respect for his professional side and how much he fought to comeback to the top. He is a tough, tough guy.

"It is similar to players who have been out for a long time. He has had setbacks many times but now is fit and ready to play."