Arsenal academy chief Brady happy watching Wilshere progress

Arsenal academy boss Liam Brady was delighted to see Jack Wilshere handed a long-term contract.

"I have to say, I thoroughly enjoy watching Jack play and have done ever since I first set eyes on him, when he was just nine," he admitted to the Daily Mail. "He has never been the tallest, but you could see then that he had exceptional natural ability.

"It has been wonderful seeing him progress, and there is still a lot more to come from him. His dribbling technique is outstanding, and he has goals in his locker. He also has a great awareness of what is going on around him. You need that if you are going to become a top player, and it is one of Jack's many attributes.

"I never like to go overboard about young players, because there is still a lot of developing to be done. They have to show they are prepared to listen and learn, to take on board what people tell them. But I've no worries about Jack on that score. You get the impression he wants to make the most of himself.

"He is a very level-headed lad, as well as a great talent. You can tell he wants to get on, and that will not have gone unnoticed by Arsene. These boys might all be under the guidance of myself and Steve Bould, but Arsene knows everything about every one of them. He is well aware of what Jack has to offer."