THEO Walcott believes that 16-year-old Jack Wilshire will shine when given his chance in the Arsenal first team.

The former Southampton winger thinks that the teenager will become a fans favourite at the Emirates because he is a good guy and has lots of potential.

Walcott told the club's official website: ''Wilshire's a really nice lad who is a quality player as well. For a small guy he's very strong , has a good left foot, good link up play, and has excellent reading of the game.'

''For such a young player, he makes the game look easy. When he receives the ball he always does something to put a smile on your face.''

The creative midfielder played 90 minutes for the Gunners reserves, in a 3-2 defeat to west London rivals Chelsea, at Underhill on Monday night. Arsenal's new number 14 thinks however that Wilshire will get his chance in the first team sooner rather than later.

He added: ''Jack will want to play this season, and I'm positive that he'll get his chance this year. Being so young though, he will need to rest as well.''

The Arsenal winger is also happy to have another Englishman in the changing room being that there are so few, since Justin Hoytes departure to Middlesbrough.

''It's great to have another English face in the changing room, along with Aaron Ramsey. Especially as Justin left, who I was sad to see go, but at least there are a few Brits in the squad now.''