Merida completed his loan switch to Sociedad from Arsenal on Wednesday, and Coleman has confirmed the Barcelona-born midfielder could make his squad for this weekend's derby against Alaves.

The 17-year-old has been likened to fellow Spaniard and Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas, but Merida himself has played down those comparisons and Coleman said: "We must not put too much pressure on Fran Merida.

"He's 17, a very young boy. He's a good talent but he's very very young.

"Myself and (assistant coach) Steve Kean, we know the people at Arsenal of course through playing against them for some years, so we know all about Fran Merida but we must not put too much pressure on a 17-year-old boy, who has come here for experience, to play some games.

Merida was quick to dismiss any suggestion Sociedad had got themselves the new Fabregas following his loan move to the Basque club.

Comparisons between Merida and fellow Spaniard Fabregas are inevitable, with both midfielders having been brought up through the youth ranks at local side Barcelona before moving to Arsenal as youngsters.

However, 17-year-old Merida, who made his Gunners first-team debut in a Carling Cup match last September, was keen to play down any similarities, pointing out Fabregas was now established as one of Arsenal's leading stars.

"Many people have mentioned it to me, but Cesc is 20 years old and has played in a Champions League final and a World Cup," said Merida.

"I am Fran Merida and I come here with a lot of ambition, right now there is nothing to compare between the two of us."

Merida, who has joined Sociedad on loan until the end of the season, believes his move from Spain to England in 2006 has been an education.

"As a person you mature, and more so if you go on your own. I think that is has been a good experience, and I have learned as much on the pitch as off it," said Merida, who could make his debut in this weekend's Basque derby against Alaves.

Sociedad, who were relegated last season after 40 years in the Primera Liga, are seventh in the second division, four points off the third promotion spot which is currently held by Sporting Gijon.

"I like Spanish football and I think that in the second division everything is very even, losing or winning two matches in succession can either drop you down the division or can get you among the leading teams," Merida said.

"We will try to get ourselves cemented at the top and, above all, not slip down the standings."