Arsenal Youngster Determined to Establish Himself During Walcott Absence

Serge Gnabry is confident that he can grasp his opportunity in the first team after Arsene Wenger challenged him to demonstrate his potential after making his full Premier League debut in the 3-1 win over Stoke City.

The 18 year old was a late replacement for Theo Walcott and with the England winger ruled out of action for some time; Gnabry is likely to be presented with even more opportunities to impress Wenger.

With Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also sidelined through injury, Wenger now wants the German winger to grasp his chance and prove that he belongs in the Arsenal first team.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for him," Wenger told the official Arsenal website. "He can play right or left or even behind the striker. He can even play as a striker. I believe against Stoke what I liked in his game is that he grew through the game, he became better and better.

"He was a bit timid in the first half but in the second half he made some good interceptions, some good passes and some good first touches that I liked."

Gnabry is expected to keep his place in the side for the midweek trip to West Bromwich Albion in the Capital One Cup and he is excited at the prospect of a prolonged run in the first team.

"I think I'm close [to being a regular]," said Gnabry. "I've been around the squad for most of the games now so I think it's going very well and I'm pleased with the situation I'm in right now.

"I need a couple more games to get back my match sharpness and I need to improve on my technique and my weaker foot. The game is quicker [at this level], other players are stronger and faster so it's really difficult to defend but you have to adapt to it. I'm working on that side of my game."

Gnabry began this season in sparkling form for the Arsenal Under-19 side in the UEFA Youth League but Wenger believes he has the ability to become a regular in the senior side this season.

"He has the quality to be creative because he can dribble, he can run with the ball, he can be a good passer and he is a great finisher," added Wenger.

"On that front, once the confidence level [rises] he will be alright. His physical qualities, his technical qualities are at the requested level."