Jack Wilshere has picked out two former Arsenal players who handed him much help during the beginning of his career at the Emirates stadium.

The 25-year-old has been troubled by frequent injuries ever since he broke into the first team at Arsenal during the 20110/11 season, winning praises for his performance against Barcelona in the Champions League that year.

And after recovering from a serious knee injury he suffered during his loan spell at Bournemouth last term, Wilshere is gradually redeeming his form and fitness.

That has given the England international a chance to reflect on how far he has come under the guidance of Arsene Wenger who kept faith in him as a teenager.

And in the process, Wilshere has revealed that ex-Gunners Kolo Toure and Cesc Fabregas also played a part in helping him settle into the first team.

“When I first got into the squad Kolo Toure was brilliant for me,” the midfielder said.

“But “when I first got into the team, I was playing next to Fabregas, who was captain, and Alex Song.

“Cesc had come through at a similar age to me so he knew the pressure I was under and he was great for me to.”

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