While Theo Walcott has been making headlines for the wrong reasons recently, with interviews over his contract demands and playing position, he gave Gooners something to smile about today instead.

When asked about Jack Wilshere, everyone’s favourite touchline-runner-overer was effusive in his praise. He said that the 20-year old midfielder “hasn’t lost it” and “spots things nobody else does”.

This mirrors comments by Arsene Wenger recently, with a question asking if Wilshere would return to his former level answered by “it is not possible, it is certain.”

Slow returns

There’s certainly been a lot of discussion of this nature concerning Wilshere. With the long term-injury of Aaron Ramsey leaving him somewhat diminished until regaining his form in the last few weeks, there have of course been question marks over whether a similar thing will afflict Jack.

However, it’s worth pointing out that Ramsey’s injury was a trauma as well as physical damage, with the abuse he received from Stoke fans on his return as well as the affect of Gary Speed’s death on his mentality.

As far as we can tell Wilshere is simply a bit short of full fitness from being out for 14 months. Walcott commented that he was “getting stuck in” and “wants to be hit on his ankle” where his injury was, which while a *little* bit worrying, shows that he clearly isn’t afraid of re-injury and is fully recovered.

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