It is now just over a year ago that the young forward found himself thrust into the media spotlight following his multi-million pound move to Arsenal from Southampton.

His controversial inclusion in Sven-Goran Eriksson's ill-fated England World Cup squad meant little chance to develop outside the intense glare of public interest.

Having now chalked up more than 30 first-team appearances for the Gunners, slowly but surely Walcott is finding his feet at the highest level.

A troublesome shoulder injury has, by his own admission, hampered the player's progress and is set to be corrected via surgery sooner rather than later.

A potent weapon now for the England Under-21s, as his brilliant double in the European Championship play-off against Germany showcased, Walcott finally got off the mark for Arsenal with a goal in the Carling Cup final at the Millennium Stadium.

Despite all of the continued hype, and indeed sometimes less-than-constructive criticism, which seems to follow his every move, the man himself remains remarkably level-headed.

"My life has changed rapidly of course, what with the World Cup and coming to Arsenal, but I have not let it get on top of me. I am still the normal person I was at Southampton," Walcott insisted.

"But this season has been unbelievable really - seeing how the players prepare and look after themselves and to be playing a part for the best club in the world as a 17 year-old - it is all a dream for me.

"I am quite pleased that I have been able to come off the bench and get a few assists.

"I am part of a new era and playing at a fantastic new stadium, the next few years should be great."

Walcott reflected: "I think generally the year has gone well, it has certainly gone quickly so far.

"But I have got a long way to go yet."

Wenger chose to keep faith with his youth policy in the Carling Cup this season, which gave other young players such as impressive Brazilian midfielder Denilson the chance to shine.

Walcott opened the scoring in Cardiff with a well-taken goal, before the big-match experience of the Blues came through in the end following a double from Didier Drogba.

It was an experience which will, according to Walcott, stand the young Gunners in good stead

"Everything about the day apart from the result was amazing," he said.

"There were highs and lows for me on the day, but hopefully there will be more chances to come.

"To be honest I did not expect to play in a final so soon after joining the club."

Wenger firmly believes Walcott can fulfil his potential at Arsenal, but knows the niggling injury has somewhat held him back in recent months.

Walcott reflected: "It is my left shoulder, and I have had the problem since I joined, it was from my Southampton days.

"Basically there are loose parts floating about in there, and so it needs to be 'locked' back together."

He added: "I have been playing with it and it has been fine, but it has been getting worse the last couple of months.

"I think the best thing for me in the long run is to have the operation, but it has been postponed while we have these injuries in the squad.

"Anyway, I am able to forget about it during the games, although in the couple of matches before the Carling Cup final it was affecting me."

Wenger believes such lulls are perfectly natural at this stage of his career, and understands the weight of expectation Walcott has to deal with.

The Arsenal boss said: "Theo has made the biggest step now. It is part of growing - being hit by the expectation level.

"When you start, no one expects anything from you. Once you are established as a name, people expect something special from you every time you touch the ball.

"It is part of the maturing process to get over that and learn to deal with and stick to what made your game strong."

Wenger added: "Once you are famous and have a name, it is difficult to keep being patient.

"Just let him play, give him the needed confidence.

"He has made big big improvements in the last six months. That will come out very shortly."

They are sentiments echoed by Arsenal captain Thierry Henry.

"One thing about Theo for all of us to remember is that he is only 17," said Henry last month.

"I know it is not easy for you guys because he is a great prospect for England, but I do think people have to remember he is 17.

"When you are 17 and you go into the World Cup with people thinking you are going to save the country. Being out there at 17-years-old with all the expectation you are putting on him (is hard), sometimes what we need to do is let him mature and get stronger.

"It is not an easy time when you are 17 - trust me, I was there."