Ryo Miyaichi wants to win first-team place at Arsenal

May 15, 2012 10:01:00 AM

The Japanese teenager suffered relegation with Bolton at the weekend but believes the experience has helped him improve to the point where he can be a regular next term

Japanese teenager Ryo Miyaichi admits being relegated from the Premier League with Bolton was "truly disappointing" but believes his loan experience will help him press for a first-team place at Arsenal next season.

The 19-year-old winger joined Bolton on loan from the Gunners in January, making 14 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal and providing an assist during a decent spell at Reebok Stadium although a shoulder problem curtailed his progress.

Miyaichi has returned to his native Japan this week where he will enjoy a few weeks of rest before returning to his parent club for next term, and the youngster hopes his Premier League experience at Bolton bodes well for his future with the Gunners.

"I've improved to a point where I can hold my own in the Premier League, and that's given me a lot of confidence," Miyaichi told Kyodo News.

"I hope I can win a place in the first team when I go back to Arsenal."

However, Miyaichi was unable to help Bolton avoid relegation with Sunday's 2-2 draw at Stoke City condemning them to the drop and he admitted he was not always at his best during his loan stint with his shoulder injury hindering him.

"It's truly disappointing," Miyaichi said. "To be perfectly honest, if you asked me if I was able to play to the best of my ability week in, week out, I'd have to say no."

Miyaichi will now hope to be part of the Japan squad, which will be announced on Friday, for the May 23 friendly with Azerbaijan before World Cup qualifiers against Oman, Jordan and Australia in June.

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