Fran Merida is delighted with his promotion to the Arsenal senior squad this season.

"When Pat Rice told me I was moving into the first-team dressing room it was a great moment," the Spaniard told Arsenal.com after starring in the Reserves' victory over Birmingham on Tuesday night.

"Of course I was always confident, if I thought 'I can't do this' then there's no point. I always believed I could do it and now I am part of this fantastic team with great players.

"I am very pleased, very happy because it has been three or four seasons. You have to stay patient, I always was and I know I am there now.

"I am just going to work even harder to get my chance. I know the players will help me so I'm looking forward to a fantastic season."