Coquelin happy with utility role

Arsenal youngster Francis Coquelin is desperate to get matches under his belt for the club regardless of what position he plays.

The 20-year-old would prefer to play in central midfield, but with Arsenal suffering an injury crisis in both full-back positions, the Frenchman has filled in on each side of the defence at times this season.

Coquelin told the club’s official website: “I want to play as much as possible.”

“At the moment it’s at right-back, even if I’m usually a midfielder, but it’s not a problem. I’m doing everything I can to play.”

“It’s only really at the start of this season that I have started playing with the first team. I played against Manchester United at the end of August.”

“Since that, I try to get as much time on the pitch with the first team as possible, whatever the position.”

The France Under-21 international also revealed his happiness to be sharing a dressing room with Arsenal great Thierry Henry, who is on loan at the Emirates Stadium from the New York Red Bulls.

“Thierry brings all his experience to the team,” Coquelin said.

“He has done a lot of great things through his career. He brings something more to the team and to the club.”

“He doesn’t need to play to bring something to the team. He talks a lot in the dressing room for example and when he comes on, he adds value to the team.”

Arsenal are away to English Premier League strugglers Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday.