With Gooners delighted to see youngster Jack Wilshere playing a leading role in Arsenal's good start to the season, some will be disappointed to hear that the youngster is dropping down to the England Under-21 squad, instead of spending more time with the seniors.

However, Theo Walcott's progress was undoubtedly hindered by his role in the 2006 World Cup squad, and Wilshere is still not a fully developed player at domestic level. Given these two facts, it is probably for the best he is not being pushed on to the biggest stage just yet.

With Wilshere showing that he can take up a more defensive role after an impressive performance against Blackpool, the youngster is already clearly a versatile asset in the Gunners' young side. Yes, most experts make Blackpool betting tips for relegation but Wilshere still had a fine game and looks set to live up to the hype.

However, with tabloids already looking to use Wilshere as a pawn in their game to dethrone the current England manager Fabio Capello, his development already has more at stake than Arsene Wenger would like to be the case.

Although Wilshere is unlikely to be a regular starter for the Gunners this season once Wenger has a full first 11 available, it shouldn't be too long before he is able to continue his development in a less pressurised role, which should see the youngster fulfil his undoubted potential. With many people making Arsenal betting tips for the league title this season, they will need everyone in the squad to make a contribution.

With the Gunners keen to continue their programme of developing youngsters rather than buying experienced stars, the development of Wilshere will be crucial if Wenger's strategy is to prove successful and see the Gunners end their long trophy drought.