Wilshere potential thrills Wenger - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Wilshere potential thrills Wenger

Arsene Wenger is in no doubt Jack Wilshere has "huge potential" after the young midfielder committed his long-term future to Arsenal.

Earlier this week Wales international Aaron Ramsey, 18, agreed a contract extension, while the Gunners also handed professional contracts to four members of their successful FA Youth Cup team.

"Jack made great progress last season, playing at Under-18s, reserves and first-team level, and we all witnessed what a great young talent he is," said Wenger.

Wilshere signed pro forms when he turned 17 on New Year's Day having already become the youngest Arsenal player to represent the club in both the league and European competition, making his first-team breakthrough last season.

Hertfordshire-born Wilshere has been at the club since he was just nine, and Wenger firmly believes the midfielder - an integral member of the FA Youth Cup-winning side - is set for a bright future at Emirates Stadium.

Wenger added on www.arsenal.com: "At still 17 years of age, the potential is huge for Jack and we are all delighted he has committed his long-term future to Arsenal."

Ramsey, meanwhile, has no intention of resting on his laurels after making 22 appearances last season following a move from Cardiff. The Wales midfielder hopes to follow in the footsteps of fellow youngster Theo Walcott, now established in both the Arsenal first team and full England squad.

"Theo and I both came from Championship clubs to join Arsenal and I think my first year has been quite similar to Theo's first year at Arsenal," said Ramsey.

"Then in the second year he played a lot more games and got more experience under his belt, so hopefully I can take the same path.

Ramsey added: "Now I want to be more regular in the starting XI, get a lot more games under my belt and hopefully start more games as well. They are my targets."

Sport in brief in Pictures

Don't Miss
Gala night for the Queen of arts - stars turn out in their hundreds to pay tribute

Happy & glorious

Stars turn out in their hundreds to pay tribute to Queen
Prints charming: patterned trousers for summer

Prints charming

Patterned trousers for summer
Promethipedia: the lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus

Promethipedia

The lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus
The Middletan: Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London

The Middletan

Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London
Amy Childs bares all like Britney

Dare to bare

Amy Childs vajazzles like Britney
Thais go Gaga: singer’s ‘fake rolex’ tweet sparks new tour row... but fans still mob her at airport

Thais go Gaga

Singer mobbed at airport
Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon

Fashion

Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon
Chelsea Champions League celebrations - in pictures

Victory parade

Chelsea Champions League celebrations
High-flying heroes

High flying heroes

David Oyelowo reveals all about new film Red Tails
The Twitter Diaries: Think Bridget Jones tries social networking

The Twitter Diaries

Think Bridget Jones tries social networking