Wenger happy with Theo

Walcott: Backed to fulfil potential

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is happy with Theo Walcott's progress to date, despite the youngster's lack of league starts.

The Gunners signed the pacey forward just over two years ago from Southampton in a deal that could cost up to £12million.

However, Walcott has been sparingly used by Wenger, giving him just nine Premier League starts and 20 substitute appearances.

Walcott has often been utilised out wide and the experienced French tactician believes time spent on the flanks will benefit him when he eventually moves into the middle.

Amazed

"People asked me 'do you expect more from him?' I said of course because I cannot expect less from an 18-year-old player and I believe that he is like every player and wants to play in every game," he told Arsenal TV Online.

"I am amazed that people are surprised that he is a little bit frustrated when he doesn't play. It is part of his job and part of his improvement.

"Overall I am very happy with him, I have said many times that he will be a player through the middle, a striker, because the timing of his runs, the quality of his runs is fantastic and he is clinical finisher.

"The time he spends on the right will help him became a fantastic striker."