Kieran Gibbs has singled out the Carling Cup as a competition that all the young players are looking forward to at Arsenal, suggesting the Cup can be the big break for many of the Reserves.
Speaking with the Club’s official TV channel, Gibbs spoke openly about the importance of an integration into first team football, something the League Cup provides.
“I have big ambitions in the Carling Cup, but everybody has really. Everybody is waiting for it, and waiting for their big break. We’re all looking forward to the start of the competition.”
Kieran penned a new contract two weeks ago, and was clearly delighted to have committed himself to the club, saying he can now focus on his development.
“I’m extremely happy to have signed the new deal, I can now focus on my football. The manager said ‘I would like to keep you here for longer, and see how your development goes’. So It’s up to me now to show what I can do.”
The 18-year-old saw his stock rise considerably last season in the aforementioned Carling Cup, he also explained how that tournament helped ‘sow the seeds’ for his new role as a left back.
“Armand was injured for the Sheffield United game last season, Gael needed a rest, and the manager gave me a chance. I though i did ‘alright’. He (Wenger) said it’s a great position for me to start learning, and that he would look to move me into midfield later on.”
He continued with how his development at left back is going.
“It has been hard to improve my game, I have been trying to learn basically since the start of this season, but, I’m prepared to learn, but slowly. We don’t get much time to speak with the first team, but when i do, I always speak with Gael Clichy about the position. We also get DVD’s on opponents, so it’s great experience.”
Gibbs confirmed he was watching Theo Walcott’s incredible hat-trick for England during midweek, calling the fellow winger a real inspiration. He also rubbished claims that Arsène Wenger prefers to play foreign talents.
“I think all wingers are looking to match Theo, he is an inspiration to us all. I don’t believe the manager would ever not pick a player because he is English, so, I would say it’s all down to us English players. If somebody from somewhere else is going to do a better job, then he deserves to be picked, it’s just about what a player can do.”
Article By – J.Sanderson
Well down Kieron, i hope you go on to make the first team and become an Arsenal Legend!! I like your style, determination and commitment :)
Good Article mate!! Keep it up.
By the way any information on Mineiro and will we get him?
Sounds a very level headed guy. They type wenger likes and i hope he continues to improve. It would be hard to see him push through to start on the left or centre of midfield with the competition we have but I hope he proves me wrong.
Keep up the great work J.Sanderson. You are definitely the best on the net!
If no Nasri or Walcott, Gibbs LM tomorrow?
n ders no vela
If there’s no nasri then walcott will probably play won’t he?
Probably, Kieran was ont he bench against Fulham and Wenger said in the Arsenal Magazine he didn’t really want to play Wilshere until he was 17, so Gibbs could be involved.
If Nasri’s injured (I actually think he’ll play though) Walcott will play on the left and Eboue on the right. If Nasri isn’t injured, he’ll start in place of Walcott who’ll probably come in on the second half for Eboue.
Wilshere is in the squad btw
I love Gibbsy, always felt he was one of our best prospects and hes a great kid aswell, skillfull and you can see hes got a football brain when he plays.