Arsenal defender Rob Holding says stepping up from academy football is no smooth ride.

Holding admits his determination helped him earn his move to Arsenal last summer.

He said: “The step up from academy football to senior football, where people's jobs are on the line, it brings a different pressure. It is a difficult time.

“I had a difficult year at Bolton but personally I just kept performing as best as I could and it led to the move to Arsenal. It is difficult to make the step up but you've just got to be prepared physically and mentally to put the work in.

“It's about enjoying playing football and not thinking about what happens if you get dropped out of the team and you're not involved. It's about enjoying football and wanting to play.

“If you have that passion, you'll have the drive to go on and hopefully get to the first team."