Arsenal: Ainsley Maitland-Niles wants to play out wide rather than in midfield

Arsenal youngster Ainsley Maitland-Niles has expressed his delight at being restored to his preferred wing position following the U21 sides victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The England U18 international, who is naturally a winger, has been used in the midfield this season, but following the return of Isaac Hayden, the youngster started on the right wing for the Gunners in their 4-0 win over Wolves.

The 17-year-old is known for his pace and he has admitted that he prefers the wing, so he can run at players and take them on and believes he is more effective on the flanks for his team.

"It felt great being back on the wing. I haven't played there for a while so it was great to be back in my natural position," Maitland-Niles told Arsenal's official site.

"I prefer to play on the wing because it means that I can run at players more and use my pace to beat them, so I think I'm more effective out there. I've been switched around in roles a lot this season but I think I've dealt with it well," the Arsenal youth team player explained.

However, it was his performances in central midfield for the youth teams that earned Maitland-Niles his senior debut during the Gunners' 4-1 win over Newcastle United earlier in the season. He further made an appearance in the first-team during Arsenal's trip to Galatasaray in the Champions League.

The young winger was delighted to make his debut and is eager to play more football with the senior team. He is hoping to receive a call up from the manager to train and play with the first-team squad during their pre-season tour.

"It was all brilliant. I'm hungrier to play for the first team now and I want to make more of it. There's always the possibility of getting another call up. I just have to work hard and carry on doing what I'm doing."

"I'm looking to go back with the first team in pre-season and train with them first of all. Then hopefully I can impress the boss and get picked for the tour," Maitland-Niles concluded.