Gunners boss expecting more from young winger

1:27pm Monday 12th May 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

ARSENE WENGER has hailed Theo Walcott's man-of-the-match performance against Sunderland and expects the forward to challenge for a regular place in the team next year.

Walcott scored the only goal of the match and his seventh of the season at the Stadium of Light, running onto a defence-splitting pass from Gilberto, and guiding his shot past the on-rushing Craig Gordon.

And Wenger believes the youngster is finally beginning to show what he is capable of.

"He can be dangerous and he can make a difference," said the Frenchman of Walcott after the game.

"He has gone from a promising kid to a fine player who is ready to fight for a regular place in the team, what do you expect at 19 years of age?

"To be capable of doing that at 19 years of age is a special talent."