Kyle Bartley eyes Arsenal first-team place

By Liam Power, Reporter | 03 August 2012

Arsenal defender Kyle Bartley says that he is aiming for a place in the Gunners' first-team squad after returning to the club from Rangers this summer.

Arsenal defender Kyle Bartley has said that he is delighted to be part of Arsenal's first-team squad and is aiming to make progress this season.

Bartley returned to North London following a successful loan spell at Rangers last season, playing 21 times at Ibrox.

The 21-year-old featured prominently in Arsenal's pre-season tour of Asia and now wants to earn a permanent place in Arsene Wenger's plans.

Bartley told the club's official website: "It was a big honour and a privilege to come back and be part of the first team.

"Just being in and around the dressing room is great and I have to thank the boss for that. Now I want to push on from here.

"I just tried to give 100% in every game I played. I had to stick to the gameplan and play how I normally do, hopefully I have done well."

Bartley faces stiff competition for first-team football at the Emirates, with Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker and Johan Djourou all ahead of the young Englishman at centre-back.