Arsene Wenger will have a big smile on his face after seeing Jack Wilshere come through 60 minutes of action in the Gunners' Under-21 clash with West Brom Monday.
The talented playmaker made his return to the field of play after more than 14 months on the sidelines, and looked none the worse for wear. Wilshere after a few minutes of feeling his way into the game, looked the part, with a brilliant reverse pass to Nico Yennaris on of the highlights.
Emmanuel Frimpong, who missed more than six months with injury, also played in the game and the combative midfielder is thrilled to see his "best friend" Wilshere back on the pitch where he belongs.
"He needs more games to get back fit and playing again," Frimpong told reporters. "I think the England fans and the Arsenal fans should be excited to see him back playing football.
"When you're training with me every day you're always going to come back with a few knocks so he's used to that. I've given him a few testers so he's tough.
"I'm happy for him to be back playing with the team again and to see a smile on his face. After 14 months out, he did very well and he can be pleased with his performance.
"When you've been out for so long, it's only natural you're going to be tired (afterwards)."
Arsenal lost the game 1-0, but Frimpong knows the return of one of Arsenal's key players was more important than the actual result. "He's probably my best friend at the club," he said. "It's only right because I've known him for 11 years.
"I'm just happy to be playing alongside him and I thought the team did well even though we lost the game -- we can take some positives.
"Even though he's a young player, Jack has got loads of international appearances and he's like a senior player in the changing room.
"I don't think we have to give him any motivation to play out here. No matter what game he's playing, he's always willing to give his best."
Wilshere's successful comeback is sure to give Wenger a big fillip as the Arsenal manager looks to bring back some much-needed silverware to the Emirates this season. The Gunners will look to put behind their disappointment of losing their first game of the season to Chelsea, when they host Olympiakos in the Champions League Wednesday.
