U-21s: Arsenal v West Brom - Preview

By Lloyd Webb

There is nothing more important to Serge Gnabry than regular football.

The forward returned to Arsenal in January following a loan spell at West Brom and has recently impressed for the under-21s.

He has scored twice in his past two games to help Steve Gatting’s side move to within three points of automatic promotion to Division One.

Now he hopes to continue his fine form ahead of the Gunners' final game of the season against the Baggies, but says he is just happy to be back playing again.

“It feels good,” Gnabry told Arsenal.com. “I’m getting back to full fitness after the loan at West Brom where I didn’t get a chance. I’m finally getting to play and it feels good to be getting fitter and fitter.

“I have played in the last couple of weeks, improving my fitness and doing well in training. If you work hard in training and do things right, you get rewarded on the pitch.

“That has been happening, and I’m happy to have scored twice in my past two games. When you come down a level from the first team, you have to use your experience to help the under-21s and give them your advice.

"That is what all the first-team players do for the under-21s. All of the youngsters are good players and look good in training. They have the best education here at Arsenal and there will be loads of them that reach the top level."

Arsenal must win at Meadow Park to guarantee their place in Division One, and Gnabry says West Brom will provide a tough test.

“It is very important to win,” he said. “It was different training at West Brom compared to Arsenal. I think Arsenal are a step ahead when it comes to academy education but West Brom have some good players and it will be tough.

“We have to win the game. We could have secured promotion against Swansea City but we slipped up unfortunately.”