Pearce waiting for Walcott

Pearce: Patience

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England Under 21 coach Stuart Pearce expects to start seeing the best of Theo Walcott when the teenager secures a regular role with Arsenal.

Walcott, 18, has failed to hold down a first-team place at Emirates Stadium since signing from Southampton in 2006 in a deal worth up to £12million.

The youngster was also substituted in the Under 21's recent European Championship 2009 qualifying victories over Montenegro and Bulgaria.

Pearce insists it was a tactical move, but he also feels Walcott will benefit from a more time on the pitch.

"He's the youngest player in the squad and the more starts he gets and minutes under his belt the better for him," Pearce said.

Attacking threat

"The more games he plays the better he'll get, that applies to any of these young players in the squad, you have to have experience on the pitch.

"I think he's done extremely well, he'll meet up with us next time and he'll be richer for the experience of these two difficult matches away from home."

Pearce has also highlighted the attacking threat he believes his side now possesses.

"Gabriel Agbonlahor is a handful, so is Matt Derbyshire. Luke Moore came on and was unfortunate not to score against Bulgaria. We feel we have pace and power all over the pitch," added Pearce.

"Theo will play his part but he is just one young man, the youngest, who is playing his part in a squad of players looking to establish themselves at international level and club level."