Joel Campbell has expressed his delight at being able to feature more often than ever in Arsene Wenger’s starting eleven.

Despite being tipped for a departure during last summer, Campbell has grown into a key player for the Gunners, making 21 appearances this season at the expense of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The return to fitness of Alexis Sanchez, Danny Welbeck and Tomas Rosicky could threaten the 23-year-old’s chances of featuring regularly on the right wing.

However, Campbell, who joined the club in 2011, insists there are no worries thus far.

“I am very happy with the results so far,” he said on Friday. “I have enjoyed quite a few minutes in the last few months. I am really very happy and that makes me work even more to be considered for the team.”

The 23-year-old’s renaissance in Wenger’s team was capped with a man-of-the-match display in the FA Cup third round against Sunderland, where Campbell scored the equaliser in a 3-1 win.

“I have scored three goals and that is important for me, for what I have been doing,” he said. “The most beautiful one was against Sunderland in the FA Cup because my family was there [at the stadium] and that was very special for me.

“The support of the fans is always very important for me as well. I always try to give my best on the pitch each minute I play. That is good for me and for the fans.”

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