Carl Jenkinson has revealed he is still pinching himself that he is an Arsenal player and admitted he has a long way to go before becoming their first-choice right-back.
Lifelong Gunners fan Jenkinson could hardly have enjoyed a more meteoric rise in the past 12 months, having gone from making his senior debut in non-league football to playing at the Emirates Stadium, Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge, and in the Champions League.
The 19-year-old, who was starring on loan for Blue Square Bet Premier side Eastbourne this time last year, joined Arsenal from npower League One Charlton during the summer.
Jenkinson would have been expecting a limited role at his new club but found himself thrown in at the deep end as injuries ravaged Arsene Wenger's rearguard.
It proved a real baptism of fire for the young defender, who was on the losing side in his first three Barclays Premier League appearances, including the humiliating 8-2 thrashing at Manchester United, where he was also sent off.
But as Arsenal have improved, so has Jenkinson and Wenger has kept faith with his summer signing at right-back while Bacary Sagna recovers from a broken leg.
"Sometimes, I just have to take a step back and really appreciate where I am," Jenkinson told Arsenal Player.
"From me to come to where I was to playing in the Premier League is obviously a big achievement for me. But the main thing I have to pinch myself about is that I'm actually playing for Arsenal.
"I can't really portray how special that is for a fan of the club and for someone who comes from a family that loves Arsenal so much. It's just a great thing to be becoming a part of Arsenal's history. Long may it continue."
Jenkinson admitted top-flight football had been something of a culture shock.
He added: "I'm settling in better now and I think people are slowly starting to see me as a player and what I can do.
"There have been ups and downs, as you all know. That's part of life. From the downs, you can always learn a lot.
"Overall, I've really enjoyed it and hopefully there'll be some more good times to come."
Wenger had looked inclined to play one of his centre-backs out of position during Sagna's absence but ultimately decided to put his faith in youth once more.
"It's a very flattering thing for him to do that and believe in me," Jenkinson added.
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"I've got the ability and I have it in me to be playing now - it's just up to me to play well, take my chances and make sure I keep that place.
"Obviously, over the years he's put faith in youngsters but when it's you, you're that bit more grateful. There's a lot more improvement for me to do and I know I have a lot more in me to show it. But I know I have to improve if I want to be a regular at this football club."
