Arsenal's Jack Wilshere – the very confident lad

Wilshere: ‘I knew I could step up’

Published: 30th December, 2010
by STEVE BARNETT

MIDFIELDER Jack Wilshere has revealed that he’s “surprised” that the chance to prove himself in the Arsenal first team came along so soon. 

The 18-year-old admitted that he didn’t expect to be a firm fixture in the Arsenal starting line-up by the end of 2010, but always knew he could take his chance when it came.

With the exception of a three-match ban picked up after being sent off during the Gunners’ 2-1 home win over Birmingham in October, Wilshere has barely been out of Arsene Wenger’s side. 

Despite racking up 22 appearances and two goals so far this season, the teenager is still shocked by his meteoric rise. 

“I guess it’s a bit of a surprise that it’s all come about so quickly,” he told the official Arsenal Magazine. 

“I’m 18 and playing regularly for the first-team, which I know is quite something.

“But I was always naturally confident I could step up – it was a matter of time, I thought, and I knew I just needed to keep improving and working at my game.

“Even if things come naturally, you have to do that first of all. 

“The boss has shown faith in me over the past few months and I’ve demonstrated that I can keep my head at this level.”

Wilshere returned to Emirates Stadium in the summer after a loan spell at Bolton during the second half of last season, a valuable move for the youngster. 

“I’m probably feeling as fit as I ever have, to tell you the truth. All in all, I don’t think it was too massive a step up this season. I think that step came when I went to Bolton having previously been in the reserves. 

Of course, this is a top team so you’re playing at another level in that respect, but I knew what I was coming into.”