• Premier League

'Wenger won't let me play holding role at Arsenal'

Jack Wilshere says that he revelling his new midfield holding role for England, but that club manager Arsene Wenger does not want to see that replicated for Arsenal.

Wilshere was named man of the match for his performance in a deeper position in England's 3-1 friendly win over Scotland on Tuesday, having also played their four days later against Slovenia.

Those two matches have revitalised the 22-year-old's international career, and came as a personal boost after starting Arsenal's last match - a 2-1 defeat at Swansea - on the bench.

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Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were given attacking roles at the Liberty Stadium, with Mathieu Flamini stationed in front of the defence. Club captain Mikel Arteta is set to return from injury for Saturday's clash with Manchester United, providing even more competition for midfield places.

Wilshere said he would like to play in the holding role for his club, but differences between the styles of play for club and country mean that is not currently possible.

When asked by reporters if he should be playing in the same role for both teams, Wilshere replied: "Yes, but the formation we play at Arsenal is a bit different.

"I wouldn't mind playing it at Arsenal and I've already spoken to the manager about it, and he doesn't see me playing that role just yet.

"I enjoy my role for Arsenal as well because I can get a bit further forward, but I wouldn't mind to play the holding role for Arsenal. That's the manager's decision. At the moment, I think Arteta is injured and Flamini is playing that role. It's down to him. If he wants me to play there, I'll play it."

When asked if he felt his best displays at international level had come in the holding role, he added: "Yes, I'd probably say that. I'm really enjoying my new position.

"I've said before, after the first game in Switzerland, that I'd only get better and better. It was my first game ever playing in that role. The main thing is the coaches are getting their points across in terms of what they want me to do, not just over here but when we're away from here. We're working on it, because I don't play that role for my club, but I am really enjoying it."

Competition for places in the Arsneal midfield will become tougher again in the New Year, when playmaker Mesut Ozil is set to return from the knee injury which has ruled him out since last month.

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