Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed his admiration for his Southampton counterpart Nigel Adkins.

After managing Welsh club Bangor City between 1993 and 1996, the 47-year-old Englishman had a spell as Scunthorpe United's physiotherapist before taking the club's managerial reins in 2006.

Adkins became the Southampton boss in 2010 and won them back-to-back promotions, steering them to the Premier League for the 2012-13 season in the process.

"It is interesting, it shows you that there is no predetermined way to get to the manager's job - it is just down to someone's qualities," Wenger told Arsenal's official website.

"He had a very peculiar [route] to get the job but he has done well. I had the chance to see him when we played down at Southampton in pre-season.

"He is a very interesting man who wants to get information, and did that in a very convincing way. I am impressed with how well he has done and the way he has done it."

Arsenal will host Southampton at the Emirates in their Premier League clash on Saturday.