Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin admits he did not expect to have already been given a few opportunities in the first team this season.
The 20-year old Frenchman has played three times in the Premier League as well as gaining a start in the Carling Cup win over Shrewsbury Town last month and he has also been on the bench for a few Champions League matches.
The former Lorient loanee admits he is surprised that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has already shown faith in him but now he has gotten a taste of senior football, he is hoping for more.
"I didn't expect to play that much at the beginning of the season," he told Arsenal Player.
"I came back from the [Under-20] World Cup and then played straight away at Manchester United, which was a really hard game.
"He [Wenger] gave me another chance in the Carling Cup and I grabbed it. I think I have done quite well.
"Against Tottenham again it was a really tough game. I am a bit disappointed because we came out of those two games with two defeats - I think we could have done better at White Hart Lane.
"But overall I was pleased to play and hopefully I can get more games. I just try to do my job - tackle, keep the ball and play things easy.
"I thought I would have a chance to play this year as well so I thought I should stay and try and get a place in the first team. At the moment I can't really complain - I have been playing so I'm really pleased with that."
