It's often said the most important thing for Jack Wilshere is to play a full ninety minutes. But in truth, that ninety minutes and his fitness in general has little relevance if the England international is struggling to produce to the levels he's capable of.

Good news for the midfielder then, that he was one of the driving forces behind Arsenal's 1-0 win over Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League yesterday evening.

The 25-year-old linked up well as one of the dual No.10s behind Olivier Giroud, ranking first for dribbles and crosses and second for chances created throughout Arsenal's squad.

He also had an instrumental impact on breaking the scoreline in the 85th minute; Wilshere jinked past two defenders before playing a one-two with Theo Walcott, who nodded the ball into the path of Giroud for an instinctive finish.

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"I’m pleased for him. He will get a chance in the Premier League don’t worry for that. Games of that intensity will help him a lot.

"It was a very difficult game – with high intensity. We kept going and tried to win the game, they did as well in fairness."

With his Arsenal contract expiring and the World Cup in Russia taking place next summer, this season will be a defining one in Wilshere's career - potentially at both club and international level.

But in more encouraging news for Gunners and Three Lions fans, last night's performance prompted Arsene Wenger to insist post-match the 34-cap midfielder will be given a chance to impress in the Premier League this season.

After the determined display against Belgrade, he certainly deserves it.