Arsene Wenger surprised by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain progress

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted that he has been surprised by the quick progress that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has made.

The 19-year-old started both of England's recent World Cup qualifiers and is in line to feature for the Gunners against former club Southampton today.

Oxlade-Chamberlain only joined Arsenal last August and Wenger did not think he would be an England regular by now.

"Alex is ahead of schedule because honestly I did not think he would be in the national team by now," Wenger told ESPN.

"When you go from youth football to senior football, it's like going from primary school to university and you have to learn quickly.

"This progress could be bad for someone who is big-headed but Alex is very relaxed, he is very humble."

Arsenal face Southampton at 3pm today.