Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has conceded that he has to bide his time at Arsenal.

The England international has struggled to hold down a regular spot in the starting lineup this season, having featured from the beginning in just 15 matches.

However, rather than being disappointed by spells on the bench, the 19-year-old has admitted that it is something he has to get used to.

"I'm only 19 years of age and I'm at Arsenal," he told the club's official website. "I know I've got to bide my time, and maybe this is one of those times. Just to get a start was really important to me, and I know that when I get the opportunity, I've got to make sure I try and take it.

"It's always nice for the confidence when you get a run of games. I had a few a couple of weeks ago, I think I played maybe five or six games on the spin and that was nice. I've got to expect to sometimes be pulled out because we've got so many talented players at this football club.

"Everybody wants to play so you've got to take being taken out of the team sometimes, let someone else have a go and make sure you're ready to come off the bench and affect the games and help the team."

The winger joined the Gunners from Southampton in 2011.