Walcott to miss targets

Gunners starlet to fall short of season expectations

By James Pearson   Last updated: 22nd April 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Walcott to miss targets

Walcott: To miss targets

I would have liked to have played more.

Walcott
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Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has conceded that he is likely to miss the season targets he set for himself last summer.

The 19-year-old had hoped to make at least 20 starts under Arsenal Wenger, although he is currently three short of that total with just three games left.

Walcott is disappointed he has not played more under the French tactician especially as he believes he has been in reasonable form of late.

"At the start of this season I wanted to make 20 to 25 starts and score five goals," he conceded. "At the moment I'm on 17 starts and five goals, so it looks like I will fall short of that.

"I would have liked to have played more, especially lately because I feel I have been playing quite well."

Walcott has been predominantly used as substitute during his time at Emirates, but the former Southampton ace does not want that long-term.

Mission

The teenager's next mission involves becoming a regular in Wenger's side before adding to his tally of one appearance for his country.

"I don't want to be coming off the bench all the time," he continued.

"I want to get in the starting line-up and I know I need to produce what I do in practice when I start the games. That's my next target.

"To be honest, I did not expect to be back with England this soon. But I have the experience of being around the squad, so that definitely helps.

"Hopefully I can start some games for Arsenal and show Mr Capello what I can do. I want to concentrate on Arsenal first and foremost, but England have a couple of friendlies coming up and I would like to be involved."