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Crouch: Wilshere would have given all for U21s

After impressing on loan at Bolton in the second-half of 2009/10, the 19-year-old enjoyed a hugely successful first full season for the Gunners, proving an influential part of the Arsenal squad, making 35 league appearances, as well as breaking into the senior England set-up under Fabio Capello.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger voiced his concerns that his young Gunner would suffer from burnout if he played in the upcoming under-21 finals, and although the starlet was named in the provisional squad, manager Stuart Pearce later confirmed that Wilshere would not be taking part.

"Jack Wilshere has come into the Arsenal team playing every week, and it's hard, and he could burn himself out if he plays too much. I think that can be a real possibility if he plays too many games. And having played for the senior team as well I think it is right that he doesn't play for the under-21s.

"Jack's very proud and privileged to play for his country, as am I, and if he was selected then of course he would have gone and given his all but I think it's probably a wise decision that he hasn't [been selected]."

Nick Moore

Nick Moore is a freelance journalist based on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. He wrote his first FourFourTwo feature in 2001 about Gerard Houllier's cup-treble-winning Liverpool side, and has continued to ink his witty words for the mag ever since. Nick has produced FFT's 'Ask A Silly Question' interview for 16 years, once getting Peter Crouch to confess that he dreams about being a dwarf.