Yennaris - I need to gain experience

By Isaac Moore

Nico Yennaris is open to a prospect of a loan move this season to gain experience of playing regular first-team football.

The 20-year-old missed out on the tour of Asia with a small calf injury but has featured in three of the academy’s pre-season games over the past few weeks.

Yennaris had a brief loan spell at Notts County in 2012, making two appearances. However, he is determined to play more games this time around after completing his pre-season with Arsenal.

“I’m looking to get a good loan spell,” Yennaris told Arsenal.com. “I need to play first-team games and get that experience so hopefully something will come up soon.

“I’ve spoken to the boss about it and he also said it would be good for me to get more games under my belt in order to get more experience."

Despite his recent injury setback, Yennaris is satisfied with his summer so far and has captained the Arsenal XI side in friendlies against Leyton Orient and Luton Town.

“I felt in good shape so it was unfortunate to pick up a niggle, it feels good to be back playing again,” he said. “I found it difficult to keep up with the pace in the first half against Orient but in the second half my intensity improved and I started to play a lot better.

“I’ve always been seen as a leader on the pitch and I find it a very natural thing. It’s good to know people recognise that so hopefully it will stand me in good stead in the future.”