LONDON -- Former Arsenal midfielders Robert Pires and Freddie Ljungberg have backed Jack Wilshere's decision to go out on loan this season and expect him to prove he should be a starter at the Emirates.
Wilshere joined Bournemouth on a season-long loan deal to revive his career after a series of injuries pushed him down the pecking order at Arsenal.
The midfielder was left out of the England squad by new manager Sam Allardyce after making just two substitute appearances for the Gunners this season, and is hoping to find regular football at the south-coast club.
Pires said he was "a little bit surprised" by the move, but said it could prove the right decision.