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Arsene Wenger to stay patient with Arsenal starlet Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
The Frenchman hints he will give the talented youngster more first-team opportunities after Christmas and believes he could yet progress enough to feature for England at Euro 2012
2 Dec 2011 13:19:00
By Matt Scott
Getty Images
Arsene Wenger insists he will continue to introduce Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to the Arsenal first-team gradually.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has scored a goal in each of his first two starts for the Gunners and has continued to play well for Arsenal and England U21s.
A surprise spot in Fabio Capello's Euro 2012 England squad has been widely mooted, and Wenger did nothing to dismiss the rumours.
"I would like to see [him go to Euro 2012] but let's go step by step," the Frenchman told reporters.
"I think in England you always take the fast track. To go to the European Championships you need experience in the Premier League so it is important he gets that first.
"He is not far [from being ready for the Premier League]. At the moment we have been quite consistent with the team we put out because we are on a good run and have had no injuries.
"I believe he is still in a period where training every day with top players is important for him to improve. He has quality when he plays in games - he is not fazed by the importance of them. He's the kind of personality that makes you think he can play on the big stage.
"You have seen him already before Christmas and I have no restrictions at all. For me, if I need him he will play. I don't think it is too early for him to play anymore."
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Oxlade-Chamberlain has scored a goal in each of his first two starts for the Gunners and has continued to play well for Arsenal and England U21s.
A surprise spot in Fabio Capello's Euro 2012 England squad has been widely mooted, and Wenger did nothing to dismiss the rumours.
"I would like to see [him go to Euro 2012] but let's go step by step," the Frenchman told reporters.
"I think in England you always take the fast track. To go to the European Championships you need experience in the Premier League so it is important he gets that first.
"He is not far [from being ready for the Premier League]. At the moment we have been quite consistent with the team we put out because we are on a good run and have had no injuries.
"I believe he is still in a period where training every day with top players is important for him to improve. He has quality when he plays in games - he is not fazed by the importance of them. He's the kind of personality that makes you think he can play on the big stage.
"You have seen him already before Christmas and I have no restrictions at all. For me, if I need him he will play. I don't think it is too early for him to play anymore."
Visit our Euro 2012 microsite for all you need to know ahead of Friday's draw and beyond - team profiles, stadium guides, even which hotels are best to stay in!
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
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| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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