Wenger wants more from Walcott

9:00am Monday 21st July 2008

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has urged Theo Walcott to establish himself as a first-team regular.

Former Saint Walcott played the first half of the 2-1 win over League Two side Barnet at Underhill on Saturday, as Arsenal won thanks to goals from Jay Simpson and Nacer Barazite.

Walcott, 19, who joined the Londoners for fee settled at £9.1m, has delivered some impressive performances during his two years with the Gunners, but Wenger is eager for him to show some consistency.

"Theo Walcott made a step forward last season - and we expect him to do that again this time around," Wenger said.

"He looks more of a wide player than a central striker but Saturday was not the day to judge him.

"I expect a lot from him this season. We will wait to see how things go.

"Theo is more of a runner than a link player, so we need to find the right combination with him.

"Last season, his target was to play 15 or 20 matches, but this season he must try to become a regular player in the Arsenal team.

"Can he break into the England side? That is what I wish. He is 19 and at that age you have to improve.

"I don't set any limitations on how much he can improve, I just want him to get better every day."