Lying in a river, being submerged in an ice bath, nose and ear flicks, impersonating Elvis or a boy band are just some of the punishments dished out after training in Burnley’s weekly Friday forfeit.. but it builds great team spirit says Clarets renaissan

minutes in the Premier League this season and England coach Gareth Southgate insists he cannot pick him unless he is playing more regularly.

Wilshere, out of contract at the end of the season, is desperate to go to the World Cup next summer but revealed that Southgate, who had promised to ring him and explain his omission, has still not called. Wilshere said: “when January comes I will have only six months left on my contract so me and the boss will probably have a conversation before then.

“We have known each other for long enough and we have a good relationship where we can be honest with each other.

“We spoke in the summer and he told me what I had to do. I have got as fit as I can and I’m ready to play.”

Asked about England, Wilshere said: “He (Southgate) has got my number but he hasn’t called me yet. If he wants to call me, my phone is always on. He said in the Press that he wanted me to get in the team and play regularly and that’s what I’m trying to do.”

Wilshere has been a mainstay for Arsenal in the Europa League but is hoping that he might now get a start in the Premier League as Arsenal’s games pile up, with three in the next week.

Wilshere added: “I want to play in the Premier League but it is a difficult team to get in to.

“I will work hard in training and when I get the opportunity I will play as well as I can.

“We’ve got three games coming up in six days. They are big games, finishing with a big one at home against Manchester United. If we can get six points leading into that one, we’ll be happy.

“I’ve basically been injured for two years but I’m fit now. I haven’t been as fit and feeling like I do for a couple of years.

“I’ve been at this club for 10 years. I don’t have to say how much this club means to me, how good they have been to me. But at the same time, the boss has got to be honest with me.”