
ON the day the Arsenal fans chanted for Patrick Vieira, it was a new kid on the block delivering the statement of intent.
Jack Wilshere, 17, is roughly half Vieira's age.
He was only four when the Frenchman - now 33 - signed from AC Milan before becoming a North London legend.
But there is no doubt the attacking midfielder is a massive talent who you will see a lot more of this season.
Playing in front of watching England boss Fabio Capello, Wilshere scored two goals and picked up the star man award against the Scottish champions.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger said: "I am very pleased with Jack. He always had his football but he has gained some power now. A year ago he had to go across the pitch, now he can go straight forward.
"He is comfortable on the ball and can take people on. He showed that in both games in the Emirates Cup. At 16 years of age, I put him in the dressing room with the first team so he could practise with the players.
"He has benefited a lot from the special treatment. How many games will he play this year? I don't know.
"It is difficult to keep the right pace in his progress. But he will not play a whole league season. Definitely not.
"You have to say he is physically strong because he has a strong body. But it is difficult to predict how many games."
As for his chances of gatecrashing the England squad at next year's World Cup in South Africa, Wenger said: "Over two games like that, Capello won't make a decision on Wilshere. You never know. It's Capello's problem, not mine.
"The World Cup is not until next year. Let's first see how he improves and plays. You have got to respect the development of players."
Wilshere scored the opening goal after less than two minutes yesterday.
Eduardo netted the second via the post and then Wilshere grabbed the goal of the game with a clever half-volley 18 minutes from time.
After beating Atletico Madrid 2-1 on Saturday, Arsenal ended up winning the tournament.
Wenger added: "We had a lot of sharp movement and creativity in our game. We had good technical ability. It was a good team performance."
Rangers boss Walter Smith said: "Today was a sharp reminder to our boys of what we will come up against at the top level of European football.
"But it is not very often we come up against a team who play like Arsenal play. They were excellent.
"We had a very long afternoon in the dugout.
"It is no surprise Arsenal got to the semi-finals of the Champions League last season when you see the level at which they play."
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