Walcott earns Pearce backing

U21 boss defends Arsenal teenager's progress

By Joe Drabble   Last updated: 12th March 2008

Stuart Pearce

Pearce: Walcott praise

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England Under 21 manager Stuart Pearce has defended the development of Theo Walcott, and has called for the public to be patient as the 18-year-old eyes a regular place in the senior squad.

The progress of the £10 million-rated teenager has been heavily scrutinised this season, but Pearce believes the Gunners' teenager needs time before maximising his full potential.

"I've worked with Theo, he's a fantastic boy and very, very keen to learn," he said.

"This season people have told me Theo has not lived up to expectations - some others have told me he's ready for the (England) seniors.

"He scores two goals in a Champions League game and suddenly people are saying 'oh yes he's ready, pitch him in, throw him in'.

Bear fruit

"If you think about it, Theo is still playing three or four years short (of the U21 limit).

"He's the second youngest in the group but he's played every game for me, started every one and that will bear fruit in the future."

"For what he's done for Arsenal so far this season I think he'll be quite entitled to say at the end of the year that having played 'x' number of games for them at 18 or 19 and every U21 game, that his development is still going quite well.

"I think we should congratulate people who give talent time to come through and progress slowly."