Theo Walcott admits he's in awe of young Arsenal teammate Jack Wilshire.

The pair could play together in tonight's Carling Cup tie with Sheffield United and Walcott said: "For a little lad he's very strong, he's got a good left foot and his link-up play and reading of the game is fantastic.

"He makes it look so easy when he plays and every time he gets the ball and does something he brings a smile to your face."

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger added: "I believe the expectations are very high and rightly so.

"What is most important at such an age is that people believe in you, and we believe in him.

"You have to give the boys a chance and be patient with them when they don't perform how you expect them to. When that happens you must continue to develop them and work well in training."