Wenger urges Wilshere patience

ARSENE WENGER has moved to ease the hype surrounding Arsenal youngster Jack Wilshere.

The 17-year-old midfielder was named man of the match for both the Gunners’ Emirates Cup games over the weekend and scored twice in a 3-0 win over Rangers yesterday.

England boss Fabio Capello was amongst those at the Emirates Stadium that saw Wilshere stand out in a stylish all-round display by Arsenal.

Wilshere is already an England youth international, and won the FA Youth Cup with Arsenal last season, having broken the club’s record for their youngest player to appear in the first team.

Wenger has fast-tracked Wilshere, making him Arsenal’s youngest-ever player last September, but has pleaded for patience from those already predicting an England call-up for the promising teenager.

“I sped him up by putting him in the dressing room and giving him a chance to practice every day with the first team,” said Wenger.

“If I had taken him out of the youth team now, you would not have seen what we did today, that means he has benefited a lot from special treatment and an acceleration of his education.”

However, Wenger admitted: “I do not know how much he will play. It is very difficult to predict.

“Could he play the whole Premier League campaign? Certainly not.

“The only problem in England, knowing the impatience of English people, is that it will be difficult to keep the right pace in his progress.

“Let’s be calm and quiet. There is still a year to go to the World Cup, and let’s see how he improves, how he is consistent.

“Let’s not make stars in just two games.You have to respect the development of the players.”

Wenger is still keen to further strengthen his squad if possible ahead of the new season, but will not be allowing any more moves out of the Emirates Stadium.

“I will now think about the whole squad,” said the Arsenal boss, who sold both Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure to Manchester City.

“Two weeks ago, I did not know if we would have Eduardo (who scored Arsenal’s second goal against Rangers yesterday) or not, or (Tomas) Rosicky. They both look to be completely back, so that makes the squad quite big.”

Former captain Patrick Vieira is said to be keen on a return to his old club.

Wenger said: “Patrick is a great player. I have not considered it yet to bring him back, but it is a possibility I have to think about.’’

* Real Madrid target Xabi Alonso made a brief appearance as a strong Liverpool team suffered a heavy defeat in Spain. Midfielder Alonso came off the bench with six minutes remaining as Espanyol officially opened their new stadium, and reports in Spain indicate it may be his final appearance for Liverpool. Luis Garcia put Mauricio Pochettino’s side ahead after 19 minutes and former Chelsea reserve Ben Sahar scored a second-half double to give Espanyol an impressive win.