Jack Wilshere's Young Player of the Year award last month was the ultimate recognition of a young footballer whose star has risen to become one of shiniest in the galaxy. But this season has seen the young pup grow into Arsenal's midfield terrier in both the way he plays and his behaviour off-the-field.

In August there were high expectations for the young midfielder after a late season cameo for Bolton last season in which he impressed both on and off the field. It's fair to say Wilshere has met all the expectations and more with almost automatic selection in Arsenal's first-team, a Champions League goal, full England honours and even a row about whether he should grace the under 21's this summer.

But off-the-field, the added attention and fame has not changed his approach to life, he is due to be a father as his ex-girlfriend is pregnant and constantly is being linked with a big money move away from the Emirates. His response? Mature and not one we often expect from young men nowadays.

He has vowed to play a full part in the child's life and responded to the rumours of a move to Manchester City on Twitter with the following:

“'I don't kiss the Arsenal badge then leave”

No true Arsenal fan could doubt that, - his face after the defeat at Bolton which pretty much ended the Gunners title hopes mirrored the thousands which had travelled to the Reebok. His anger and frustration at Stoke on Sunday was part testosterone part pain at the fact that his team just wasn't reaching the potential he knows they have.

All this is not to say that he cannot improve, tackling is still a skill which he needs to hone while his occasional flashes of temper need to be watched. We ought to remember that he does not turn 20 until January 2012 and that a certain Paul Scholes cannot tackle to save his life but he hasn't turned out to be a bad footballer has he?

What you see is what you get with our Jack and he has certainly blossomed under the tutelage of Arsene Wenger. What he needs now is medals to complement the talent and the maturity he has shown in the full glare of the footballing world. Nervous on the big stage? Not a bit of it, remember he was hardly over-rawed by the metronomic Xavi when Arsenal clashed with Barcelona in February.

If rumours are to be believed that Arsene is planning a spring clean during the off-season then he needs to be careful around Wilshere for he is the jewel in the crown.