England and Arsenal ace Jack Wilshere ready to deal with expectation after return

Jack Wilshere maintains that he's ready to deal with the expectation and pressure that will come his way following a return to first-team action with Arsenal at the weekend.

The Gunners midfielder has been sidelined through injury for over a year, but was named in Arsene Wenger's starting line-up against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday and completed 67 minutes of the game.

And after an impressive performance in their 1-0 victory, the England star insists that he is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.

He said: "When you come back, there is an expectation, but I can deal with it.

"Football is like that, especially with England. You become a better player when you are injured, you become a world beater when you are injured.

"I'm still a long way from full fitness. I think everyone has to understand that.

"That is part and parcel of football and there are older players here who can keep my feet on the ground and help me.

"Just for now, I am happy to be back. I am happy to be out there and healthy again. I was just running around smiling - that feeling was amazing."

Wilshere, 20, picked up five caps for England prior to his injury setbacks, after previously representing the Young Lions at U16, U17, U19 and Under-21 level in previous years, but he hasn't featured at international level since the game with Switzerland at Wembley in June 2011.

And he's been missed at the Emirates Stadium just as much, but is now hoping that the experience he's gained from his time out can only help him in the future.

"When you are nearly back a couple of times and then have another setback it is really hard to take," he added.

"In football, you learn to deal with injuries and this will help me.

"My family have helped me so much and it will strengthen me and all I can do now is look forward."