Szczesny hopes for loan

Teenage keeper seeks new challenge

Last updated: 16th October 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Szczesny hopes for loan

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Arsenal youngster Wojciech Szczesny admits he needs to go out on loan to gain first team experience.

The 18-year-old keeper signed professional terms with the Gunners at the start of last season, but remains a long way down the pecking order at Emirates Stadium.

He does have international experience as a member of Poland's youth team and has impressed the Arsenal academy coaching staff.

He made 23 appearances for the club's U18 side last term, while he also turned out for a European U18 side in the 2007 Meridian Cup against African counterparts.

Szczesny has played first team football in the past, making his senior debut for former club Legia Warsaw at just 15-years-old, while he was handed the No. 1 jersey for Arsenal's pre-season fixture at Barnet this year.

Pressure

However, he believes a spell away from the Gunners will help his development and allow him to return to North London as a better player.

"I would expect that for at least six months I will end up being loaned out," he told Gazeta Wyborcza.

"It's necessary for me because it is rare that a keeper goes straight into the first team from the reserves.

"I need to go out and feel under pressure to win."