Arsène Wenger's glowing praise of Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, who has been arrested in connection with a Stansted Airport drug bust, has resurfaced.

The Greenock Morton striker, who joined the club earlier this summer on a free transfer, was arrested at 8am on Wednesday after UK Border Force officers discovered cannabis inside several suitcases that had arrived in the United Kingdom on a flight from Bangkok on 2 September.

According to the National Crime Agency (NCA), approximately 60 kilograms of the drug were found in two suitcases. However, prosecutors later stated that four suitcases were seized.

NCA officers subsequently detained the footballer, who has since been charged with importing class B drugs and has been denied bail.

The father-of-two was transported to Carlisle for questioning and appeared before Deputy District Judge Steven Jonas at the city's magistrates' court on Thursday. Mail Sport has contacted Greenock Morton, but they have declined to comment on the matter.

In the wake of the charges, words of admiration from manager Wenger have resurfaced, dating back to when Emmanuel-Thomas was a promising young talent at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.

The French manager, speaking to ESPN, said ahead of a match against Newcastle in 2010: "Jay is knocking very hard on my door – with both hands.

"He has outstanding quality. He works very hard to get his fitness right.

"When his fitness is right, Jay will not only be a good player but a great player.

"One thing is certain – he can score goals. That is a massive talent you cannot teach. His right foot, left foot, he is unbelievable in front of goal.

"This guy is an unbelievable finisher, inside and outside the box. He has outstanding qualities, and he has the physique you dream of having.

"It depends on how far he wants to go, because he has great potential."

The striker ultimately made only five appearances for Arsenal and never scored a goal for the first team.

According to the NCA, two women, aged 28 and 32, were also arrested at Stansted Airport and charged with drug importation offences.

Both were granted bail after appearing before Chelmsford Magistrates' Court and are due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on 1 October.

Senior Investigating Officer for the NCA, David Phillips, said: "The NCA continues to work with partners like Border Force to target those involved in drug smuggling – that includes both the couriers and the organisers.

"We would urge anyone approached to engage in any form of smuggling to carefully consider the potential consequences of their actions and the life-changing risks they face."

Mail Sport has contacted Greenock Morton, but they have not commented on the matter.