SENDING-OFF COULD BE JUST WHAT JACK NEEDS

IT DOES not get much lower than getting sent off in an Under 23 match — but it may take something like this for Jack Wilshere to realise he must get his act together. Not so long ago Wilshere had the world at his feet and everybody — myself included — thought he would be the next English great. Back in 2011, when he was starring for Arsenal in their 2-1 victory over Barcelona, it seemed unthinkable that, six years on, he would be getting involved in a dust-up in a reserve game. Monday night’s red card was a clear sign of his frustration. Wilshere has lost his way and it is a very sad situation. Yes, he has been incredibly unfortunate with injuries but there have been questions over his lifestyle, too. Given the increased scrutiny off the pitch now, he has not helped himself. Only Wilshere can change things. He needs to get himself into the physical shape that will let him start regularly. To do so, he will have to leave Arsenal. It is difficult to see a way back for him at the Emirates. When he joined Bournemouth on loan last year I thought it would be an excellent move for him. Yet, in his 22 starts, he registered only two assists and did not score and the club have not made things permanent. At Arsenal, Arsene Wenger has a range of midfield options and at the moment Wilshere would be lucky to even get on the bench. To kick-start his career, the best move for him may be to go abroad to Italy, Spain or Germany, where scrutiny and expectation would be reduced. He needs to rack up 30, 40 games this season and get back to the level at which we know he can perform. Wilshere is still only 25. He can still have a bright future in football but it is slipping away. If he does not get his act together quickly, he could fall out of the game.