Jack - I’m up for the challenge

Jack Wilshere is ready to fight for his place in Arsenal’s midfield despite the "unbelievable" competition.

The England international impressed in the Gunners’ pre-season opener, scoring from the penalty spot as his side secured their place in the Barclays Asia Trophy final.

Mikel Arteta, Santi Cazorla, Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey were all unused in Wednesday’s victory against a Singapore Select XI and Wilshere admits it is a tough task to win a starting place in Arsene Wenger’s side.

“It’s unbelievable and it’s down to us as individuals to make that place ours,” he said. “That’s going to be tough, of course it is, but I’m up for the challenge and I’m sure all the other boys are as well.”

Arsenal face Everton in Saturday’s final but Wilshere insists that the Gunners’ primary focus is to be physically and mentally prepared for next season.

“I think [it’s just about getting fitness],” he said. “We want to win every game and the boss tells us that before the game, and stuff that we can work on during the game, but the main thing here is fitness.

“Especially in this heat, you want to work on winning the ball back high up the pitch and when we have it, we want to keep it because you don’t want to be chasing too much. Everton like to keep the ball so we want to keep it as much as we can.”