Source: Daily_Mail
Ramsey has teenage dreams of making 2010 his year in the Arsenal first team
Wales teenager Aaron Ramsey is ready for a big start to 2010 - and has every confidence he can prove himself worthy of a regular place in the Arsenal team. [LNB] The midfielder, who turned 19 on Boxing Day, capped an impressive display with a fine goal in the 4-1 win at bottom club Portsmouth on Wednesday night, which keeps the Gunners title challenge on track heading into New Year. [LNB]Alex Song is set to jet off to the Africa Cup of Nations after Sunday's FA Cup third-round tie at West Ham, while both Cesc Fabregas and Denilson are struggling for fitness, so the former Cardiff trainee looks set for an extended run in the side. [LNB] Christmas cracker: Ramsey was on target with a superb strike at Portsmouth[LNB]Ramsey, signed in a £5million deal during June 2008, has made some 23 appearances already this season, but only three starts in the Barclays Premier League. [LNB]The Wales international intends to improve those statistics as soon as possible. [LNB]'I would not be here if I did not think I could fill the [midfield] roles, so it could be a big month for me,' he said. [LNB]'I had to do the job against Portsmouth, and I think I did that. The goal was the best one I have scored so far for Arsenal, but it was not about me, it is about the team.'[LNB] Ramsey declared: 'I want to establish myself as a player in the starting XI and hopefully with opportunities like at Portsmouth, I can show that I am more than capable of playing in the Arsenal team. That is my target.'[LNB]The Gunners now have the title very much in their sights following a fifth league win in six games to close the gap on leaders Chelsea down to just four points - and with a match in hand, against struggling Bolton on January 6. [LNB]'We have kept the pressure on and hopefully we can build on that and take that into next year,' Ramsey told Arsenal TV Online.[LNB]'There have been many twists in the league so far, but we have kept going quietly and can keep the pressure on at the top. [LNB]'We are confident we can go into every game and win, so we will see where that takes us at the end of the season.'[LNB]Next up for the Gunners is the small matter of a trip to Upton Park, where they threw away a two-goal lead during the closing stages of the league encounter back in October. [LNB]Ramsey does not expect his team-mates to make the same mistakes again. [LNB]'It will be tough at West Ham, but we believe we can go into the game and get the right result,' he said. [LNB] Good example: Wenger sees similarities between Fabregas and Ramsey[LNB]'When you are in matches where you are 2-0 up, the next goal is so important because if the other team get it, you are under pressure again, they start to believe - you have to keep switched on.'[LNB]Wenger has every confidence Ramsey can deliver, having handed the teenager his Arsenal debut in what was a crucial Champions League qualifier first leg away against Steve McClaren's FC Twente two seasons ago. [LNB]'Aaron is a quality player who can play right-back, left wing and is a good central midfielder,' said the Arsenal boss. [LNB]'He is an all-rounder, and Cesc is a playmaker - but what they have in common, when they are on the pitch, is the personality to say: "I am not scared to play. I am ready to play the game."'[LNB]Wenger added: 'The championship is about turning up at places like Portsmouth on a cold December night and showing that you are a winner. I am proud we did that.'[LNB]Song, meanwhile, has proven himself an important member of Arsenal's new-look midfield this season, but will miss some key matches while away with Cameroon - which could include showdowns with Aston Villa and Manchester United should the Indomitable Lions reach the final on January 31. [LNB]Wenger said: 'Song has shown again what an important player he is for the team. [LNB]'We will miss him, but will try to keep going at the same level without him. [LNB]'We wish him well in the African Nations Cup and for him to come back safely.'[LNB] Arsenal midfielder Diaby signs new long-term contract with high-flyersWilshere must leave on loan to become the complete player, says WengerPortsmouth 1 Arsenal 4: Eduardo's stroke of luck sparks top GunnersWenger would love to have Bellamy but admits City ace is out of his leagueARSENAL FC
