by Lee Hurley

Kieran Gibbs may have lost his place in the Arsenal starting lineup but that’s not stopping him trying to help youngsters move up in football.

Speaking at a Premier Skills Festival, Gibbs spoke about the importance of encouraging youngsters in the game.

“We had a few presentations when I used to play for Croydon Borough and a few Crystal Palace players came along,” Gibbs said. “I remember Bruce Dyer, who was a striker for Palace, came and did a presentation once and that was huge.

“To see any player that you know is playing in the Premier League or the Championship when you’re younger feels like a dream come true. You know how much it means to the kids and it’s great that they’re focusing on the coaches here.

“The game’s changing and you need to stay on top of that. Teaching the kids is important and getting them the right coaching is more important. It’s a great idea.

“It inspires youngsters because when you see players in the flesh – and we’re on the other side of the world to these people so it must mean ever more – it gives you a sense of reality. It will probably help motivate kids more.”

Losing his place to Nacho Monreal last season, the England man will be looking to reclaim it back this season. All of that can only be good for Arsenal, to have two very talented players determined to hold on to the first-choice shirt is what we want for every position.

Monreal has been linked heavily with a move to Athletic Bilbao with the Spanish side chasing him for a number of years due to his heritage but we’re fairly confident that Nacho will still be around to offer competition to Kieran next season.

Speaking at the launch of the new home kit, the Spaniard reiterated his desire to remain at the club and talked about getting a new deal with the Gunners. As for Wenger selling him, the manager has already said that he no longer has any need to sell players he doesn’t want – and why would he want to sell Nacho?