Jack Wilshere has made his name over the last 3-4 years as he graduated into the first team, originally as a young 16-year old boy, since the days when Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri were still at the club. So much so, that many envisioned Wilshere and Fabregas having the mentor-apprentice relationship.

Wilshere announced himself as a top, top quality player in Arsenal’s memorable 2-1 home win against Barcelona. He came up against the likes of Xavi, Iniesta and Lionel Messi and in fact dictated play with relative ease and aplomb. As he was being viewed as the next rising star of world football, he was dealt an unfortunate blow as his early career growth was brought to an abrupt halt.

He suffered a long term injury in the pre-season of 2011 which kept him out of action for an unforeseen 16 months. It was a given that his return to action would be slow and gradual, as he made his much anticipated return against QPR last season. He was allowed to take his own time to return to full fitness, but this season too, he has been seen nursing his ankle on a few occasions.

This has seen him slip a bit lower in the pecking order for Arsenal, partly due to the excellent form of Aaron Ramsey and the tireless performances of Mathieu Flamini. This has led to suggestions within the media that perhaps Wilshere is slowly turning into a back-up option for manager Arsene Wenger.

However, Metro report that the 21-year old has now rebuffed these comments from the press and has replied saying, “People are always going to criticise and judge your performances,”

“They [the press] are paid to do that, so you have to concentrate on your own game. You just have to take that [close scrutiny].”

He is currently away on international duty where he is expected to feature briefly against Chile. He made his return from a minor injury in Arsenal’s 1-0 loss at Manchester United and the Gunners would be hoping that he doesn’t get injured again while playing for England this time around.