Lukasz Fabianski, Arsenal’s Polish goalkeeper, believes the club’s youngsters have the character required to overcome their north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and reach the final of the Carling Cup.

Arsenal travel to White Hart Lane tomorrow night with the score level at 1-1 after a first leg at the Emirates Stadium which Tottenham dominated.

Arsene Wenger, the manager, has indicated he could bolster what has always been a traditionally young Carling Cup side with some experience tomorrow night, with captain William Gallas ready to continue at the heart of the defence.

Fabianski, 22, arrived at Arsenal from Legia Warsaw during the summer and will keep his place in the side. He believes Tottenham’s inability to make the most of their chances in the first leg will ultimately cost them.

“We were losing at home, and before we scored the equaliser we didn’t have many chances,” Fabianski said. “It didn’t look like we could get a goal, so perhaps the tie switched at the moment Theo [Walcott] scored.

“Our young team showed again that of course we have a high technical level, but also we have a great character. With the character we have, we have to be optimistic going into the second leg. We have to prepare well.”

Fabianski is hopeful of emulating another more famous Pole from years past, Jan Tomaszewski, in playing a starring role at Wembley.

“Yes, that’s a dream, but I just want to play more games, wherever that is, so that means winning the semi-final,” he said. “Of course, though, Wembley means something special, everybody knows about it. It just gives me another reason to want to win the semi-final.”