Arsenal boss Wenger: Eastmond deserved his chance

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was happy to give Craig Eastmond a debut in their Carling Cup win over Liverpool.

The Londoner was one of the outstanding performers in last season's FA Youth Cup success.

He played at right back for the Gunners Under-18s and Wenger says some of the qualities Eastmond displayed saw him trialled in a midfield role against Rafa Benitez' side.

"Yes, he has played right back," he told arsenal.com. "We always felt that he is very intelligent in his reading of the game but he lacked a little bit of pace so we put him in midfield.

"He has blossomed there in the Reserves and that is why we gave him a chance tonight."

 
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