Wenger Call To Connolly

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has told Colchester United loanee Matthew Connolly to prove his worth this season.

The Gunners boss said in the Colchester Evening Gazette this week that he let the promising defender, 19, continue a recent trend of letting Arsenal youngsters out to the Essex side because he feels that first-team action is the best way for him to develop.

“I have let Matthew go to Colchester because he needs to play.

“He has made a big step forward but he will not learn a lot in the reserve-team anymore,” said Wenger, who also let the youngster go on loan last season.

“Like every young player, he needs to learn to cope with responsibility.”

“He will only get that when he plays in the first team.”