Nicklas Bendtner wants more game time at Arsenal: 'I hope to play more', says Denmark striker

The striker has found his chances limited this season

(GETTY IMAGES)

Nicklas Bendtner hopes there is still time to make a telling impact at Arsenal before his almost certain summer exit.

The 26-year-old has become a figure of fun during his decade at the Gunners, who have previously farmed him out on loan to clubs varying from Birmingham to Juventus.

Bendtner was close to leaving the Emirates Stadium for good in the summer, but when moves to Eintracht Frankfurt and Crystal Palace failed to materialise he was offered an unexpected chance to re-establish himself at Arsenal.

However, having looked in good form, he has fallen behind fit-again Yaya Sanogo as back-up to lead frontman Olivier Giroud since sustaining an ankle injury on New Year's Day and looks all-but certain to leave when his contract expires this summer.

Bendtner had a rare chance to impress in Denmark's 1-0 loss to England on Wednesday and hopes the display will show Arsene Wenger he can contribute before the season is out.

"Well, I am trying to keep myself as fit and sharp as possible," the forward said. "It is difficult when you only train, but I hope to play more obviously.

"You can train as much as you like, but there is a big difference between training a lot and playing games on a regular basis.

"I could feel within myself that I have not played in a long time, but I am looking to make the change.

"The goalkeeper [Kasper Schmeichel] had a fantastic game and in the end they got the goal.

"It could have been a different game if we had scored our chance in the first half."

PA