Published: 17 November, 2011
by STEVE BARNETT

SUMMER signing Carl Jenkinson has revealed he is “flattered” Arsene Wenger has put his faith in him, but is well aware that he has plenty of work to do before he becomes a regular in the first team.

The defender, who joined from League One side Charlton in a deal reportedly worth around £1million, is enjoying an unexpected run in the team following an injury to Bacary Sagna.

Wenger has praised Jenkinson’s improvement in recent months and he demonstrated his trust in the 19-year-old by fielding him against West Bromwich Albion instead of playing a centre back out of position.

It didn’t go unnoticed. “It’s a very flattering thing for him to do that and believe in me,” Jenkinson told Arsenal Player.

“Obviously I’m still young but I do think I am capable of playing.

I’ve got the ability and I have it in me to be playing now – it’s just up to me to play well, take my chances and make sure I keep that place.

“It’s very nice for him to believe in me and put me in the team in the first place.

Obviously over the years he’s put faith in youngsters but when it’s you, you’re that bit more grateful.

“There’s a lot more improvement for me to do and I know I have a lot more in me to show it,” said Jenkinson. “I have to improve if I want to be a regular at this football club. It’s nice that he thinks that I am improving, but I know I have a lot more to do to get where I want to be.

“I think the main thing was that he saw some potential in me at Charlton. I was playing League One football and was only 18 but I was doing quite well.

From what they told me I think Arsenal were quite impressed with my athleticism, the fact that I can get up and down the pitch.

“I think they saw that there were many things that I can improve technically but that they could improve when I came here.

“I think physically they were quite impressed with me but now I’m here I can improve other aspects of my game.”