Walcott ready to fill in

Youngster hoping to fill Brazilian's boots

Last updated: 27th February 2008

Theo Walcott celeb Birmingham v Arsenal

Walcott: Out to impress

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Arsenal ace Theo Walcott believes he is the man to fill in for the injured Eduardo da Silva.

Eduardo has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a serious broken leg against Birmingham last weekend.

The injury leaves Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger short of options in attack with Robin van Persie still working his way back to fitness.

Walcott, who scored his first two Premier League goals for the club in the 2-2 draw at Birmingham, is ready to stake his claim to be a regular in the side.

Confident

"I feel upbeat, I feel confident," Walcott told the club's official website. "The goals helped and they gave me a boost so hopefully I can take that into Saturday.

"It was nice to get a poacher's goal. My agents have told me I need more of those. Then the second was more about the kind of player I am. Left-foot too, which is something people have questioned me about.

"Now I just have to improve with every game and time will tell [if I can fill the striker's role]. After all, the boss picks the team so when I do play I will just do my best."

Support
Walcott also admitted the whole Arsenal squad have been affected by Eduardo's injury, but he insists all the players will support his recovery

"Of course Eduardo has been on our minds," Walcott told Arsenal.com. "It was a quiet coach ride home and felt just like a loss in truth.

"We had a couple of days off and then actually went bowling to keep our team-spirit up. A couple of lads went to see him yesterday [Tuesday] and reported back to the rest of us.

"But we have tried to forget about it in a way and concentrate on Saturday.

"We don't all want to rush there and then gradually stop. It will be more difficult for him in later months so we want to be there for him the whole time he is out."