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Wenger tips Wilshere to follow Walcott example

15/11/2008

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has tipped young Gunners midfielder Jack Wilshere to follow the same career path as Theo Walcott.

The 16-year-old impressed for the Gunners during their 3-0 win over Wigan in the Carling Cup and created the first goal for Jay Simpson.

Wenger believes Wilshere could be good enough to win a place in the England squad for the 2010 World Cup but says he will use him sparingly as he did with Walcott at the start of his Arsenal career.

Walcott earned a place at the 2006 World Cup without playing a league match for the Gunners but Wenger says Wilshere will have got more experience than Walcott had by the time the next tournament arrives.

"In 2010 Jack will be 18," said Wenger. "Before then Wilshere will come in and out of the team, he'll play in the Champions League and the Premier League. We have to assess the situation in two years."

Wenger says the weight of expectation could cause a setback for Wilshere if he is not careful and plans to only use him occasionally and not as a regular first-team player.

The Frenchman does not expect the midfielder to fully develop for another two years.

He said: "The level of expectation becomes very, very high and you have to show you are ready to deal with that pressure. You do not want to be judged definitely by people at that age because you develop at 18 or 19.

"Theo had a game based on individual action. Wilshere as well is a guy who goes at you and dribbles. These players are exposed to be kicked so you have to protect them a little bit more."

Wilshere's next chance to impress could come in the next round of the Carling Cup at the start of December.