Walcott told to concentrate on playing for Arsenal

Arsenal face Standard Liege in the Champions League tonight with just a point needed to progress past the group stages of the competition, but manager Arsene Wenger tetchily dismissed questions at a pre-match press conference yesterday that stars such as Theo Walcott could be distracted from performing at their best for their club by next year's World Cup in South Africa. Wenger's outburst perhaps reflected his frustration at how the demands of international football have hobbled his season - the loss of Robin van Persie during a friendly for the Dutch national team nine days ago being the latest example.

The Frenchman was asked whether Walcott, who returned from injury as a substitute in Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Sunderland, would be playing for his England place over the rest of the season. "Why should I not be frustrated?" Wenger exploded at one journalist's inquiries. "The guy asks me if it’s an important season because Theo is going to the World Cup. The World Cup is in June. Is he on holiday until June 9? You cannot be serious.

"You are paid by Arsenal FC, not by the World Cup. During the World Cup he will be paid by Arsenal FC. He’s not played this year. It’s not his fault. What I mean is it doesn’t have to be my worry what happens in the World Cup. You must be serious," Wenger continued. "The reality in life is, 'Do your job my friend'. And make sure nobody can ever say you’re not committed, every day in your life, for what you’re paid for."

The Gunners boss' outburst was understandable because of Walcott's unfortunate track record with injuries, one of which was sustained while training for an England friendly just weeks after his international breakthrough when he scored a scintillating hat-trick against Croatia in September 2008. The 20-year-old winger then played in two of England's qualifiers over the summer, as well as turning out for the under-21s in the European Championship. Since then he has featured for Arsenal for just 73 minutes of the season.

Meanwhile, off the pitch, Stan Kroenke has bought another 10 shares in the club for £85,000, his 19th share purchase of the year and one which takes him ever closer to the magic 30 per cent mark at which he has to launch a bid for Arsenal. He now requires just 72 shares to seal the deal.