Fulham defender Chris Baird thinks that it will be difficult to stop Arsenal's Theo Walcott from racing past the Cottagers' back four when the sides go head to head this weekend.

The 29-year-old, who played alongside the Gunners winger during their time at Southampton, believes that Walcott "deserves" success at the Emirates.

"[Walcott] is very quick," Sky Sports News quotes Baird as saying. "Theo was fantastic, even at such a young age [at Southampton].

"Obviously he was thrown into the team but the more games he played, the more confident he got, scoring a few goals. His pace always caused defenders problems. I am glad he is doing well at Arsenal. He deserves it.

"He has been fantastic for them this season so it is a hard game for us. We will go there with our confidence and see what happens."

Martin Jol's side travel to North London to face Arsenal on Saturday.