Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says Theo Walcott has had to toughen up to handle the attention he receives from the opposition.

Walcott turned in a performance full of pace and menace in front of England manager Fabio Capello at the Emirates Stadium in Arsenal's 2-0 victory against Sunderland on Saturday.

Then Wenger revealed how 20-year-old Walcott has toughened up from the fragile winger who was too easily knocked off the ball as a teenager.

"He is getting there," Wenger said. "He gets harsh treatment but we see signs in training where he doesn't let other people kick him. It is part of the learning process of the job."