Seaman will soon win back fans' respect: Wenger

Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal's visit to Everton on Saturday will provide England goalkeeper David Seaman with the best possible chance of restoring his tarnished reputation.

"He may get some stick (from the fans) in the first 10 minutes," Wenger told reporters. "But after 90 minutes they will respect him again."

Seaman has been urged to retire from the international scene after another embarrassing mistake -- conceding a goal direct from a corner -- helped Macedonia earn a shock 2-2 draw against England in a Euro 2004 qualifier on Wednesday.

Wenger added: "I know David will react well on the pitch to what has happened, but I don't know how he will react with the national team. I don't know (if he will quit).

"That is not something he has to decide today...I would not push him to go and he certainly deserves a better way out than that.

"When you do not play at international level, maybe you are easier (on yourself), or less motivated.

"I feel angry for David about the reaction (from the media) after Wednesday night...he has become a scapegoat, but you cannot blame Seaman for the fact that England did not beat Macedonia.

"Frankly, since the beginning of this season, David has been the best he's been for five years. He works hard and last season he was suspect because of a shoulder injury.

"At first sight he seems an easy or relaxed person, but he is much stronger than that. I will not need to say a word to him (before the Everton game) because he will be highly concentrated. And more than ever we will want to help him out."

Dennis Bergkamp misses the Goodison Park clash after suffering a setback in his recovery from an Achilles problem, while Robert Pires will not be risked by Wenger despite stepping up his return from knee ligament surgery by playing 90 minutes for the reserves this week.