The teenager found himself thrust into the public eye following a potential £12million move from Southampton in January 2006 - and was a controversial inclusion in Sven-Goran Eriksson's World Cup squad when he had yet to make his debut for Arsenal.

Walcott, now 18, has since chalked up more than 30 first-team appearances last season, and netted his first senior goal in the Carling Cup final against Chelsea.

Having recovered from a shoulder injury which required surgery during the summer and kept him out of the European Under-21 championships, Walcott has looked sharp during the build-up to the new campaign.

Wenger expects the talented youngster to have an increased impact this season for the Gunners, which he believes can only lead to further progress within the international set-up and a call from current England head coach Steve McClaren.

"It never looked to me that it really bothered him, but I am sure it was too much. Before he was in the spotlight there was a lot of expectation on him," said the Arsenal boss.

"The learning process was quick but I believe he is ready now to really have a go and he is more mature."

Wenger added: "I was surprised last week when people were talking about a striking crisis in England and nobody mentioned Walcott. That is the first time I saw that."

The Gunners boss, though, admits just where to play the talented attack-minded teenager is something of a quandary.

"I am not completely sure what his best position is," Wenger reflected.

"At the moment I feel he is a bit more of a wide player, but because he makes good runs he would be good in the centre as well."

"However, you then have to find the right partnership.

"Theo is a runner so you need someone who keeps the ball next to him.

"It is difficult for him and that is why I am using him more wide."

Wenger accepts Walcott would need a substantial amount of recovery time following an operation to hopefully cure a problem which had hampered his development last season.

"I had the same experience with Philippe Senderos when he had an operation on his shoulder. It takes you much longer than you expected," said Wenger.

"When you fall down and your shoulder pops out, you cannot be the same player.

"Even when they are back for four or five weeks, when you test them on speed in normal training they have not recovered their speed.

"It is because of your co-ordination and it is unbelievable."

Wenger added: "You don't realise how much a player needs his arms and shoulders to play football.

"It takes a long time, but this is the first week I can see he is really coming back."