Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain insists he is not fazed about the challenge of dislodging Theo Walcott from Arsenal's first-team after the teenager scored on his Champions League debut.
A series of injuries, most recently to Walcott, have given the 18-year-old a chance to shine, and he has grabbed the opportunity with both hands, scoring in his first start against Shrewsbury in the Carling Cup and bagging the opener in Wednesday night's 2-1 win over Olympiacos.
The £12million recruit from Southampton said: "It'll be very hard for me to get Theo's position or anyone else's but I am up for it. I have got confidence in my ability to and I think one of the main things with me is that I am going to learn by getting more game time."
The Greeks had little answer to the winger's pace and his strike - a 20-yard drive that went in off the post - shows the youngster has an eye for goal too.
After the win, Arsenal assistant manager Pat Rice tipped Oxlade-Chamberlain to be a future star for club and country, and the player himself says he will only get better if he has more minutes on the pitch.
Oxlade-Chamberlain said: "I am always learning things from the boys in training because they are quality players and that's it for me. Getting stronger and fitter by playing games is only going to help me.
"You are all mates off the pitch but on it you are all competing for places. I think that only makes a healthier squad - more players fighting for positions can only mean everyone has got to step their game up."
Source: PA
