Walcott ready to make up for lost time

Theo Walcott wants to make up for lost time after missing the first six weeks of the campaign through injury.

The England star was sidelined by a back problem he picked up during the final pre-season friendly against Valencia in Spain - his only 45 minutes of action since June. But he is finally back in training and played for 60 minutes in a Reserve team friendly against Olympiacos on Tuesday.

Now Walcott has his sights set on a first-team return - and a chance to shine in Arsenal's new formation.

"At Southampton, for the youth team, we used to play 4-3-3 and I played on the right wing," he told the Official Matchday Programme.

"I think that formation gives you more license to get forward, so if I can get an opportunity again hopefully I will grab it. I’m looking forward to being a part of it. It’s an attacking formation and I’ve noticed that the front three have been interchanging a bit, so maybe it will give me the opportunity to play up front a bit more, we’ll wait and see.

"From what I have seen so far this season, I think the formation is working well. It’s bringing the best out of a few of the players, and the experience we have gained in the last few years is also paying off."

Walcott signed a new contract with Arsenal in the summer and is convinced that he will finish this season with a trophy in his hands.

"I’ve got a lot of belief in the Club and in the team," he said. "We have gained a lot of experience over the last few years, and although we haven’t won any trophies, I think that will change this year.

"If you want to win trophies it’s important to keep the group together – Man United are a good example of that. This summer Robin, Nicklas, Kieran and a few others signed new contracts and I firmly believe we can win things here. We’ve also added to the squad with Thomas Vermaelen and for me he’s a top lad. He’s our top goalscorer too! He’s settled in really well, and he’s such a nice guy so I’m very happy for him."

This interview first appeared in the Official Matchday Programme. You can subscribe to the Matchday Programme by calling 08700 20 20 20.

[Thursday, October 01, 2009]

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