Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has told Theo Walcott he must be patient over his striker ambitions.

Walcott scored twice and played a starring role in Wednesday night's 6-1 Capital One Cup mauling of Coventry in the week that he said being played as the main forward could be instrumental in signing a new contract with the club.

Wenger employed the 23-year-old in a wide role against the npower League One club but he showed his goalscoring potential with two efforts in the second half.

"I'm not against it, I'm not against it at all but we try and at the moment there is big competition up front, we have a different formula and the team is doing well," Wenger said.

"His time will come for that and at the moment we have to be a bit patient.

"He is a great finisher now, in front of goal he is really absolutely amazing."