Walcott targets striker role

Theo Walcott believes he will play in a more central attacking position over the next couple of years after making a fine start to the season in front of goal.

The Arsenal player scored in Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk to take his tally for the campaign to seven, an impressive amount considering he has just returned from six weeks out with an ankle injury.

Walcott has been used primarily as a winger since joining the Gunners in January 2006 but Wenger stated earlier this week that his long-term future would be as a striker after improving his finishing this term.

“I will play anywhere for the Arsenal, but it is nice to know the manager has got different hopes for me playing up front because for me personally I am a striker,” said the former Southampton trainee.

“It is nice to get within the goals because I have tended to miss out at times – I am trying to catch up a bit of time.

“But hopefully in the next couple of years you will see me be up front and I am looking forward to that.

“I have been practising in training and that seems to be paying off, so hopefully I can continue doing that.”
Ready

Walcott has been pleased with his form this season but is determined to make up for lost time after returning from his latest injury setback.

“I have had the six weeks with injury this season and, without it, it could have been more, potentially,” he said.

“But now I am fit, and I am ready for Sunday’s game against Newcastle.

“I am happy I am getting the goals, but I want the team to win, that is the most important thing in the end.”

Walcott has struck up a good understanding with fellow England youngster Jack Wilshere and hopes the creative players in the team can give him more opportunities to utilise his electric pace.

“Jack is the sort of player who spots those balls,” Walcott said. “All he has got to do is knock it into space for me and I will always get onto it.

“We have got a nice bit of bonding going on there.”