Randall - I’d welcome another loan switch

By Declan Taylor

Mark Randall is enjoying his new role as Reserve team captain but would welcome the opportunity of a short-term loan switch.

Randall starred in Arsenal’s short yet explosive Carling Cup run this season but has only appeared once in the first-team since the Gunners’ elimination at Burnley in December.

And, after playing 10 times during a brief spell at Turf Moor last season, the 19-year-old thinks another loan move would fuel his development.

“It’s good to know that Neil [Banfield] can trust me and he has given me a big responsibility being captain of his team,” Randall told Arsenal.com. “But I need to be looking to push on.

“At the start of the season and during pre-season I thought I did well and I had a good run in the Carling Cup until we got knocked out. I thought I was going to go on loan but I think part of the boss didn’t want me to go. That’s the way it goes sometimes.

“I want to learn as much as possible playing in a first-team, any first-team as long as I’m playing. I don’t want to go away and not play. It’s good to have a bit of competition and have to fight for your position.

“Obviously I am one of the older ones in the Reserves and the captain. I am more experienced now.”

In his first outing as skipper, Randall was dismissed for a late challenge in Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Stoke in January. But, because of his new captain’s responsibility, the midfielder has set about actively curtailing his fiery streak.

“Now I am the captain I need to be on the pitch as long as possible and play as many games as I can,” he said. “That means not getting sent off.

“I need to learn quickly how to keep my head. Count to five if that’s what it takes. I just want to win the ball back as quickly as possible if I make a mistake.

“It’s all about maturing really.”