Wenger backs Wilshere

02 August 2010 09:30
Arsene Wenger believes Jack Wilshere has what it takes to follow Theo Walcott into the England team - but called for patience from the Arsenal youngster ahead of what could be a breakthrough season. Walcott - a controversial omission from the ill-fated World Cup squad - and 18-year-old Wilshere are both expected to feature in the forthcoming European Championship qualifying campaign as Fabio Capello looks to rebuild a squad for the future following the Three Lions' abject display in South Africa. Wilshere, already an Under-21 international, started both games against AC Milan and Celtic in the Emirates Cup, producing a man-of-the-match performance against the Bhoys on Sunday when Arsenal won 3-2 to secure the trophy in front of their own fans. Wenger believes Wilshere - who was loaned to Bolton last season - can cut the grade at the very highest level, but urged against expecting too much too soon. "Theo Walcott was at the World Cup at 17 years of age; he had not played one game in the Premier League, and it didn't kill him," said the Gunners boss. "In 2012, Jack will be 20, so why not? You cannot rule it out, but it is down to performances. I believe Jack is stronger than last year, physically, and the few months he played at Bolton has given him something. "He will be used at the club, of course." But Wenger added: "The problems at that age is to be patient; you don't have patience. If you look at the number of good players we have in midfield, nobody can guarantee a position to anybody."

Source: PA