Lansbury feels benefits of loan spell

Arsenal youngster Henri Lansbury believes he has grown as a footballer and as a person during his time at Watford on loan.

Lansbury was speaking to Arsenal TV Online after making his first Premier League appearance for the team against Fulham.

The 19-year-old Englishman got regular first-team football under his belt as the Championship side struggled against relegation, but says he enjoyed his time at Watford, and hopes he has caught the attention of manager Arsène Wenger.

He said: “For me it was a good experience to go there and play every week and be in a first-team environment, and overall it went well.

“We had a good team spirit [at Watford]. The boys didn’t deserve to be that low in the league. I think we did well to stay up.”

The midfielder admits playing regularly in the Championship was a big step up from youth and reserve football.

He said: “You have to look after your body because you’re playing Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday and it’s a big ask. It was hard at first to go and do that, but I got into it and settled in well.”

Lansbury revealed that Wenger kept a close eye on him during his spell away from the club.

He added: “I think there was a scout at every game, so they got good reports back when I played well.

“I hope I can break into the first-team next year and get on like I did today. It was great to end the season by getting on the pitch.”