Wenger hails Theo brace

Arsene Wenger has told Theo Walcott he will have to be patient in his quest to play as an out-and-out striker for Arsenal.

Walcott is determined to follow in the footsteps of Thierry Henry and switch from the wing to a striker's role and staked his claim to do so with a brace as the Gunners hammered Coventry 6-1 in the Capital One Cup last night. Wenger was impressed with his finishing and has no doubt about him becoming a top class striker in the future, but for now the Frenchman will continue to use him on the wing. "He is a great finisher in front of goal, absolutely amazing," Wenger revealed. "But at the moment there is big competition up front and the team is doing well. "His time will come. At the moment we have to be patient." Wenger's thoughts could be enough to convince Walcott to sign a new deal at the Emirates Stadium after the player revealed the delay is down to his role in the team, not his cash demands.