Arsenal: Jack Wilshere wants second place in the League following injury return

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has urged his teammates to stay focused, as they look to finish ahead of Manchester United and City in second place behind the newly crowned Premier League champions Chelsea.

After a slow start to the season, the Gunners picked up the pace at the start of the year and are currently the form team in England, going on a 10-game unbeaten run, of which they have won eight. This has helped them leapfrog Liverpool and United and currently sit in third place only behind the Etihad Stadium outfit on goal difference.

Arsene Wenger is also focused on finishing as high as possible and has called on his team to finish the season in a strong fashion. Wilshere believes that a second place finish will show progression for the team, who last finished second nine years back, at the time Chelsea had won the title.

"I think second place is important. I think it's a marker for next season. It shows progression," Wilshere said, as quoted by the Mirror.

"The last few seasons we've finished fourth and to finish two places ahead of that would be a massive progression for us and hopefully give us confidence going into next season."

The 24-year-old midfielder has had yet another injury ravaged season, and has just returned following a five-and-a-half month stint on the sidelines due to an ankle injury.

Wilshere, who was hitting top form for club and country before suffering the injury, is now looking to get some minutes under his belt before the end of the season to regain match sharpness. The midfielder looked sharp in his brief cameo during Arsenal's win over Hull City on Monday, 4 May.

"Being back on the pitch is the most important thing for me. Coming to the end of the season, I've had a long time out. It's frustrating when you're out but when you're back on the pitch it makes up for all the hard work you do in the gym," the Gunners star explained.

"I'm just happy to be back on the pitch. Get some minutes under my belt, I feel fitter and better for it and hopefully get some minutes under my belt next week as well."

"It's much better for me to come into a team which is winning and playing well, you can fit in straight away. The boss brought me in at the right time and I'm happy," Wilshere concluded.