England manager Roy Hodgson keen to play down expectations of Jack Wilshere
Last Updated: October 19, 2012 8:14am
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England boss Roy Hodgson has urged caution against expecting too much too soon from returning midfielder Jack Wilshere.
The Arsenal player has been on the sidelines for 16 months due to a succession of injuries.
But the 20-year-old is closing in on a first-team comeback after completing 90 minutes of a reserve team game against Chelsea on Wednesday.
"He is a wonderful talent and of course it would be terrific if he could reproduce that form when he becomes involved again."
Roy Hodgson
That could prompt Wilshere's inclusion in the England squad to face Sweden next month but, despite admitting the young midfielder has star potential, Hodgson is preaching caution.
"He was a revelation when he broke into the team and is certainly one we're going to be watching very carefully," said the Three Lions boss.
"The thing we've got to realise about Jack, as [Arsenal manager] Arsene [Wenger] mentioned, is that he's been out of football for a long time.
"He's a wonderful talent and of course it would be terrific if he could reproduce that form when he becomes involved again.
"But I'm also keen to play down the expectations. When you've been out for well over a year, to come back and play like he was before might take a little bit of time."
Jack Wilshere
