Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hopes the youngsters in his squad will learn a thing or two from having former England captain David Beckham around the training ground.

The Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder, who still has a family home in Hertfordshire, is set to use the Gunners' complex at London Colney to keep up his fitness levels during the Major League Soccer close season.

The 32-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar needs one more international appearance to reach a landmark 100 caps, and hopes to be picked by new England boss Fabio Capello for his first friendly against Switzerland at Wembley in February.

Wenger believes the time will be well spent.

"He will come in January to practise with us, occasionally with the first team or the reserves," the Arsenal manager confirmed.

"He can always give good advice and we will help him to keep fit. The youngsters will look up to him, of course."

Wenger is glad to see Beckham back doing what he does best on the field, and praised the player's "mental strength".

The Arsenal manager revealed he had even "considered signing" the midfielder himself - but accepted "for years he was at Manchester United and it was impossible."

Wenger reflected: "I admire how strong Beckham has been mentally through his career because he went through some tough times.

"I respect the fact that he has always loved football and he has always shown respect for his managers even when he was dropped. He didn't come out in a silly way, a spoilt way.

"Also, he has always delivered when it was expected of him, he has shown toughness.

"When he had to score the free-kick in the last minute against Greece, in the crucial World Cup qualifier in October 2001, he put it in the net. It is a sign of mental strength."