Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech has praised the qualities of Emiliano Martinez after the Gunners' third-choice stopper signed a new contract at the club.

Despite making just 10 first-team appearances, Martinez has been handed a long-term deal by Arsene Wenger, and Cech has suggested that the Argentine deserves to be rewarded for his progress and always being "ready" to step in for either himself or David Ospina.

The 34-year-old told Arsenal Player: "He's been here for a few years now and I would say that you can see his progress. Having gone on loan a few times and having proved that he has the ability to play at this level – it's been a learning experience for him as well.

"For a player that is not playing as much, he is always ready. I think that he enjoys the game and he is that person you know you can always put him in and rely that he will give you the performance you expect.

"I think that's a big asset for a goalkeeper because you need to know that your goalkeeper is there every day."

Since moving to Arsenal, Martinez has had loan spells with Oxford United, Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.