Source: Team_Talk
Ramsey targets regular starting spot
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 last night, which keeps the Gunners title challenge on track heading into the new year.[LNB]Alex Song is set to jet off to the African Nations Cup 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]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]"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][LNB]