Arsenal fullback Kerrea Gilbert admits he had a difficult time on-loan at Southend United.
"It was the right thing because if I had been in his position and playing well and then the manager dropped me to make room for someone on loan, then I would have been upset. Therefore, for the sake of my development as a player, I had to come back to Arsenal."
Gilbert added: "I think that a loan spell is not out of the question to help me keep developing, but I believe that I have the ability to make it as a right-back at Arsenal. I have tasted first team football and I know I did well and I'm going to work hard to put myself in contention again. I know that there are a lot of players vying for the right back spot, but I am happy with that because I know I can compete, and, concludes Kerrea, "that will be my focus for the remainder of this season."