Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits Jay Bothroyd 'regret'

Striker Jay Bothroyd joined Cardiff in August 2008

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says he regrets losing Cardiff's Jay Bothroyd 10 years ago and has congratulated the player on his England call-up.

The Cardiff striker, 28, is in the England squad for Wednesday's friendly against France, 10 years after he left Arsenal for disciplinary reasons.

Then 18, Bothroyd threw a shirt at coach Don Howe after being substituted in an Under-19 match.

"He is one of my regrets, he left very early," said Wenger.

The Gunners' head of youth development Liam Brady - who is still in the post - told Bothroyd he was no longer wanted.

He moved on to Coventry and has since played for Perugia, Blackburn, Wolves, Charlton and Stoke.

Bothroyd joined the Bluebirds in August 2008 and has scored 15 goals this season, including two in Saturday's 4-2 win at Scunthorpe, as they sit at the top of the Championship.

Later that day, England boss Fabio Capello heeded Cardiff manager Dave Jones' call for Bothroyd to be given a chance at international level.

If Bothroyd plays against France he will make history by being the first player capped by England while playing for Cardiff.

Wenger said: "He is one of my regrets, he left very early. But I have said many times it is important a guy has a good career, even if he goes somewhere else.

"It is better than to play in the reserves. He went down but has come back up again and we are all very proud of him at Arsenal."

He is a good guy, and he is classy; left-footed, strong body, fantastic technique

Arsene Wenger praises Jay Bothroyd

Wenger had little to do with the decision to axe Bothroyd, but believes he has now matured into a fine player.

He added: "Sometimes it is only later they realise they not only have to have talent, but need to work as well.

"Sometimes to go down to the Championship, there is no better education.

"It is true, he had a little outcome that you can have when you are 16 or 17, but he is a good guy, and he is classy; left-footed, strong body, fantastic technique.

"The incident didn't happen in the first-team group, it happened in the youth team.

"Liam Brady is responsible for that. They made the decision and I didn't stand in the way because it was a disciplinary matter."