Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has admitted that Charlie Austin will pose a big threat when Queens Park Rangers travel to the Emirates Stadium on Boxing Day.

Former Burnley striker Austin has thrived in the Premier League this season, scoring 11 goals in 15 games for QPR.

While praising the 25-year-old for his form during the opening months of the campaign, Szczesny hopes that the Englishman will not be at his best in North London on Friday.

"He's been brilliant," the Pole told Arsenal's official website. "I played against him when I was at Brentford on loan and he was at Swindon.

"He was a good player back then but to see someone coming through the lower leagues, into the Premier League and then doing as well as he is at the moment is very good.

"He could be a role model to young English players coming through. I'm delighted to see him doing well but I'm just hoping that his goalscoring form won't be as good on Friday."

Arsenal head into their match with the R's on the back of a 2-2 draw away to Liverpool.