Arsenal winger Theo Walcott insists his play is now maturing.
"I'm definitely patient," insisted the 18-year-old. "I signed for Arsenal and didn't play for seven months so that shows quite a lot of patience.
"I've got to perform to play. You only get better by playing games, a consistent run of games that is. I've got to work hard in training, perform well and I'll get that consistent run."
Walcott grabbed his fifth goal for England Under 21s against the Republic of Ireland at his former Southampton home on Tuesday night.
And despite revelling in the opportunity to play in favoured striker's role for Stuart Pearce's side, Walcott admitted he has long way to go before he is the finished article.
He said: "When I get the ball they always expect me to do something, but sometimes you just have to keep things simple and do the right things in the right areas of the pitch, which is what I'm learning at the moment."
