Reiss Nelson celebrated his 18th birthday on Sunday and took the opportunity to post a video on social media thanking everyone for their support over the last year.

Nelson may not have broken into Arsenal’s first team properly just yet but the winger is well on his way after making three Europa League and two Carabao Cup starts this season.

While celebrating his 18th birthday, the teenager took to Twitter to thank everyone for their support, as well as insist that, as an athlete, he wouldn’t be drinking to celebrate the big day. Whatever you say, Reiss.

https://twitter.com/ReissNelson9/status/939967888613625857

“Thanks to everyone who wished me a happy birthday,” he said.

“This year’s brought me a lot of joy and success for me and my family. I just want to say thank you and next year will be a lot of hard work for me to push closer to the first team.”

Nelson has also scored six goals in five Premier League 2 appearances with the reserves.

The youngster’s rapid rise has excited Arsenal fans, who see Nelson replacing Theo Walcott once the 28-year-old inevitably leaves within the next 18 months – when his contract runs out. Rather than sign someone new, like Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace, Gooners would much rather one of their own was brought through the ranks to the first team.

If that’s going to happen though, Nelson’s right. He’s going to have to work really hard.

Hopefully Arsene Wenger gives him a chance to prove what he’s made of as a winger soon rather than exclusively playing him out of position at wing-back.