ARSENAL'S influential Dutchman Dennis Bergkamp looks set to defy the odds which were so heavily stacked against him returning to action in time for tomorrow's FA Cup Final… by declaring HIMSELF fit.

The double Player of the Year winner, who missed the last three Premiership games with a hamstring injury, has made a remarkable recovery and took part in a full training session yesterday; much to the delight and surprise of manager Arsene Wenger.

But the Arsenal coach, after consultation with the player, will not make a final decision until just hours before kick-off and only after establishing Bergkamp's "state of mind". He does not want an under-strength striker, with half an eye on the World Cup, ruining his team's chances like Middlesbrough's Fabrizio Ravanelli did by limping off with a hamstring injury early in last year's final.

Wenger said: "I cannot say that he will definitely play but it looks much more hopeful today. I've been surprised by the speed of his recovery and the doctors are not stopping me from playing him. A week ago, I would have said he had little chance of being fit. But I now think he stands a good chance. Now we have to