Jack Wilshere hits back at 'hypocritical' Jamie Redknapp

Arsenal and England youngster Jack Wilshere has slammed Jamie Redknapp for not sympathising with him over his injuries woes.

The 22-year-old burst on to the scene in the 2010-11 campaign but a number of lengthy spells on the sidelines seem to have curtailed his progress in recent seasons.

Redknapp, who himself endured an injury-blighted career, has recently criticised the midfielder over his form, but Wilshere claims that he should be more empathetic toward his situation.

He told The Mirror: "With all due respect, I think Redknapp should have some sympathy and understanding. It's easy for someone to go on television and say: 'He should be doing this, he should be doing that'.

"But, if you look back, he was injured just as much as I was. Maybe more than I was. And he was never injured at my age as well, and it does take a lot of mental strength [to come back].

"So to hear people go on TV and say: 'He's got to be doing this or that,' I don't need that. I listen to people like the boss here, Gary Neville, people who talk a lot of sense and can help me with my game."

Wilshere has started two of Arsenal's three Premier League games this season.