I admit I was somewhat concerned when we started to sign so many players - naturally you are going to worry about whether you can retain your place in the side.

When you take a lot of stick you want to ram it down people's throats.

Reading and writing is so important, and it's something I am really keen to promote. It's something that can be a bit lost these days with so much else going on.

But to be fair, Arsenal are a quality side. They're not where they are by chance - they are not top of the league and unbeaten because they are a bad team.

I come from a football family which has really helped.

I always wanted to be a winner, to score goals. There was no massive bravery in terms of my mum passing away and stepping up. I just wanted to score. I know everyone would have given me a pass on it if I hadn't taken it. But I'd have had the hump with myself if I'd shirked it.

I can't stress the importance of working hard enough, work on all aspects of your game. If you does that and you have the ability, you'll come through.