Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has called for patience during what he describes as a "difficult" season.
The England international has failed to hold down a starting berth in the Gunners side this year having burst onto the scene during the previous campaign.
However, the 19-year-old, who has started 11 games for the club this term, urged fans not to expect too much from him too soon.
"It has been difficult. There is always pressure, but maybe people forget that I am only 19 and will still be 19 at the start of next season," Oxlade-Chamberlain told The Sun. "When you have a good first season, especially at 18, people hype you up and really want to see you kick on. They expect you to play lots of games and do really well.
"I have tried to carry on from last season, but sometimes you have to realise that you are a young lad and have a lot to learn. The experience of being in a club and league like this is a great education at this age.
"You always want to start but your responsibility when you are on the bench, especially as a winger, is to come on, change the game and help drive the boys forward, that is what I have been trying to do, to make things happen and add a different dynamic to the game. I am happy with the way things are going and the most important thing is that the team finishes where we need to. I am happy to be a part of that."
Oxlade-Chamberlain played in League One with Southampton in 2011.
Matt Cotton
