Arsenal midfielder Craig Eastmond admits he was shocked to be handed a start in their victory over Bolton Wanderers last week.

Eastmond, who has been playing in defence for the reserves and academy, has impressed in midfield for the Gunners first team this season.

"I was very surprised to start at Bolton," the young Gunner told the Islington Gazette. "I had been training hard during the week and I knew there were a few injuries, but it was still a surprise.

"I thought I would make the squad, but I didn't think I would start in the Premier League so when the boss said I was starting it was a good surprise."

A member of Steve Bould's FA Youth Cup-winning Under-18s side last season, Eastmond has almost bypassed the reserves and made his debut for the first team in the 2-1 Carling Cup win over Liverpool in October.

"I took my chance against Liverpool," the youngster reflects. "I showed I was confident in what I could do and that I could go out there and do it, and that is what you have to do if you get the chance."

He added: "Kieran Gibbs last season was a big inspiration, when he'd been in the first team we'd get feedback off him, of what it was like so it would help us when we got there."