Theo Walcott, who shone for England Under-21s on Tuesday, is targeting a consistent run of games to prove how far he has progressed at Arsenal.Walcott, 18, waited seven months for his Premier League debut when he moved from Southampton two years ago and insists he is willing to be patient as he fights for more appearances.

But he also feels regular games will help his development.

"You only get better by playing games, a consistent run of games that is," he said.

"I've got to work hard in training, take every game as it comes, perform well and I'll get that consistent run.

"It's good at the moment really and if I get a consistent run of games I'll get better and better. I've got to perform and that's my main target. I'm trying to get a few more appearances for Arsenal."

Walcott made a goalscoring return to St Mary's on Tuesday evening when he netted in England Under-21's victory over Republic of Ireland, taking his tally at that level past his Arsenal total of four.

After getting taken to the World Cup with the senior squad, plenty was expected of Walcott but he is in competition with Emmanuel Adebayor, Eduardo da Silva and Robin van Persie at the Emirates Stadium. Nicklas Bendtner has also put his case forward to boss Arsene Wenger.

"I'm definitely patient," Walcott said. "I signed for Arsenal and didn't play for seven months so that shows quite a lot of patience. But I've got to perform to play."

Against Ireland's youngsters he played in attack on his own, and it is as a striker where he sees his future, rather than on the flanks.

"He (Wenger) signed me as a centre forward and that's where I've played all of the time really," Walcott said. "I'll play anywhere for the team though.

"I like playing up front, that's the position everyone sees me in. I'll perform in every game and try to boost my chances of playing in that position."

U21 coach Stuart Pearce will report Walcott's progress to Capello as he is now part of the Italian's backroom staff with the seniors.

"He (Capello) is going to be a brilliant manager, I have to say," said Walcott.

Franco Baldini, also from Capello's team, addressed the players prior to the 3-0 win over Ireland, with James Milner impressing in the victory that should earn the Under-21s a play-off to reach the European Championships next year.

Walcott added: "He (Baldini) just said this is the next step to the big stage, that's all he said about the seniors, so you never know."

By moving a step closer to the finals in Sweden next year, Walcott could at last have his chance to perform at a summer tournament. He was famously unused by Sven-Goran Eriksson and was injured for the U21s last season.

They need a point against Portugal in September to make absolutely certain but Pearce wants victory.

Pearce said: "We've got one game left that we want to win to put Portugal out of the competition because we know they will be strong in the competition."

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