JACK’S WIL POWER

Bould backs gritty ace

JACK WILSHERE’S injury agony has made him a stronger person, according to the coach who helped make him a star.

The 26-year-old midfielder is back in contention for Arsenal at home to Stoke today after a knee injury ruined his England comeback bid. He has suffered serious knee and ankle injuries in recent years and has not made more than 25 Premier League appearances in a season since 2011. Gunners assistant Steve Bould, who was his coach in the youth team, said: “He’s worked tremendously hard and it’s been tough for him mentally. “But it looks like he’s through it and he’s come out a stronger person and player for it. “Perhaps he will always have a little niggle here and there because of the way he is structured. “I think we are all hopeful longer term he has overcome those issues.”

Failing to add to his 34 England caps against Holland and Italy was a double hit for Wilshere, whose last international was at Euro 2016.

And with Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate close to naming his World Cup squad, the timing could not be worse.

Bould added: “I hope he hasn’t missed out because with his ability, if he can show it over the next few games, he’s good enough to get in.”

Meanwhile, Stoke boss Paul Lambert says Joe Allen is miles better than anyone thinks.

The midfield dynamo checked in this week from his 10,000-mile round trip to China with Wales looking fresh as a daisy.

Lambert said: “It wouldn’t have surprised me if Joe ran back from China and was still fit as a fiddle – he’s brilliant.

“He goes under the radar, and the reason he goes under the radar is because he’s that good.

“When a player has one great game in nine everybody talks about them, but he’s that consistent that it’s the norm.

“The biggest compliment I can give Joe is I expect it from him. I expect him to turn in these sorts of performances, I don’t really say anything to him. He’s a manager’s dream.”