Wilshere: I don't want to go back to the bench

Midfielder Jack Wilshere says that he is determined to break into the Arsenal first team when he returns to North London from his loan spell with Bolton.

The Englishman, tipped for inclusion into the England's World Cup squad for South Africa, says that he wants to continue playing first team football next season.

It is unlikely that Wilshere will be thrown straight into first team football next season, and that is something that he wants to avoid.

Speaking to The Times, Wilshere said: "I don't really want to go back and be on the bench the whole time. I want to play.

"I had a good pre-season last summer but didn't really play once the season started apart from the odd Carling Cup game.

"There has always been that thing with the English boys where the press say: 'He's the next big thing', like with Theo (Walcott) really.

"He (Wenger) talks to you about that: not letting you get above yourself, keeping your head straight, lifestyle, not getting too big for your boots."

Wilshere admitted that he understands the hype around his talents, especially at his age, and is aware that the English media are crying out for an outstanding talent to help them win their second World Cup.

Wilshere added: "I think this is a strong age group in England.

"People talk about the foreign kids in the academies, but you look at Arsenal and it's mostly English - me, Craig Eastmond, Sanchez Watt, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas.

"The (England) Under 21s are a good team.

"You've got Andy Carroll, John Bostock, who was playing for Crystal Palace at 15, Tom Cleverley, who's been on loan from Man Utd at Watford.

"I couldn't even tell you what footed Jack Rodwell is. People forget he's only 19.

"I think it's something different to what we've had before because they're all technical players.

"It has been drummed into us since we were young, especially at Arsenal."

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