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Ramsey desperate to win back place in Arsenal team

Aaron Ramsey is back in training and played for Arsenal reserves in midweek © PA Photos

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Aaron Ramsey says he has some way to go before his fitness levels are where they should be, but the Welshman is determined to win back his place in the Arsenal starting XI.

Ramsey, 19, marked his return to competitive action with a successful 45-minute run-out for Arsenal's reserves on Tuesday. It was his first appearance since suffering a horrific leg break in a challenge with Stoke's Ryan Shawcross in February.

The former Cardiff midfielder was happy with his first taste of football in nearly nine months and, although he realises a need for patience, the youngster is keen to step up his fitness work in order to force his way into the Arsenal first team.

"I have been waiting for this a long time, and I couldn't wait to get out onto the pitch," he told the club's website.

"Obviously it is great to be back playing my first game and I felt it went quite well. I was blowing a bit after about 20 minutes, so I have got some work to do in that department, but I feel very good about myself.

"The only way you can get match fitness is by playing games. In training, I felt I was as fit as all the rest, but being out there proved I was a bit behind. That's to be expected and the more games I play, the more match fit I am going to get.

"After you have been out for nine months, your muscles are still adapting to the hard training and games, so for some players they can get injuries which set them back for a few weeks, but hopefully I can stay injury free.

"I have another few reserve games planned, with 60 minutes and then a full game - then I can try to fight for my place again. I am not going to jump back in: it is going to take a bit of time. But as soon as I feel I am match fit, I am going to try to get back into the starting XI."

When Ramsey suffered his horrific injury there were fears over his future, but the teenager is adamant his leg is fine and he is not haunted by the tackle that threatened to prematurely end his career.

"I have seen the specialist and he was happy for me to go back into contact, so I don't have a problem with it. I had a few kicks on the leg and it felt good," he said.

"The tackle is out of my head now. I just want to concentrate on trying to get back into the first team. I want to make up for the many months I have been out."

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