Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is happy with the progress of winger Theo Walcott.

Wenger feels the former Southampton trainee is on the right track, despite being an easy target for critics.

"After coming back from injury, I believe Theo is on the way to efficiency," Wenger said. "For me he has become more of a man this season, more responsible tactically and he is going the right way.

"Theo is improving and do not forget, he is still only 21."

Wenger had personally championed Walcott's inclusion in the last World Cup squad.

The Arsenal manager feels it would be a major disappointment were the young forward, who played for the Under-21s in last summer's European Championships, not to go to South Africa.

"As much as it was a little bit of a present last time, this time it would be a blow [if he missed out]," the Arsenal manager said.