Arsenal attacker Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain admits he's been frustrated with his progress this season.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has also found it hard to nail down a place in Arsenal's team, after rapid progress last season when he made an impact for club and country. He started for Hodgson in the first game of Euro 2012 against France.

"It hasn't progressed as much as I would have wanted because I always want to play," said the 19-year-old. "But I understand Arsene Wenger will protect his younger players. Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott told me they had experienced the same thing.

"The boss has his reasons. He's a brilliant manager. There's still a long way to go in the season and I could be a crucial part of that."