Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain believes England and Arsenal team-mate has striking attributes

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has backed England and Arsenal team-mate Theo Walcott to continue his strike success as a centre-forward.

The pair were instrumental in the Gunners' 7-3 victory against Newcastle United on Saturday, with Chamberlain getting a goal and Walcott helping himself to a stunning hat-trick.

And having seen Walcott's work in a more central role this season at close quarters, Chamberlain is positive that he can become a real asset to Arsene Wenger's side.

He said: "He definitely has all the attributes to play up front. The goals are coming. He has proven he can do a really good job for us up there.

"For someone with his pace it's hard for anyone to defend against and when he gets the service he can always punish teams so he's doing really well."

Walcott now has 14 goals this season, an impressive return considering his regular position has been on the flank.

But after his last few displays as a striker, Chamberlain believes that Walcott can make the role his own.

"His performance was amazing," he added. "You could see after his first goal he had a spring in his step but he has been like that all season. He has been brilliant.

"He's a great professional, a good mate and a good lad around the dressing room. We need him to keep scoring goals for as long as he can."