Mannone - I've learnt a lot

Italian glad of first-team opportunity

By James Riach   Last updated: 9th October 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Mannone - I've learnt a lot

Mannone: Gains experience

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Young Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone hopes he has given Arsene Wenger a welcome selection dilemma.

The 21-year-old Italian has stood in for Manuel Almunia during the Gunners' last five games, including an impressive display against Fulham at Craven Cottage, after the Spaniard suffered a chest infection.

With Almunia and No.2 stopper Lukas Fabianski set to return to fitness for the Birmingham game on 17th October, Mannone could well fall back down the pecking order, but he is pleased that he came in and performed well.

"I'm really happy with my five games," he said in the Islington Gazette. "It was difficult at the beginning, but I have shown I can play.

"I have learnt a huge amount. I can feel it inside myself how much I have learnt and hope people can see I have improved too.

"I did my job and now it is up to the boss.

"I did what I had to do. I know I have a long way to go, but I will stay focused in training and improve and see what happens."