Wenger set to rest England hero Walcott

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hinted that England hat-trick hero Theo Walcott may be on the bench for Saturday's trip to Blackburn.

Wenger feels the teenager could do with a rest after his heroics in Zagreb on Wednesday night but he remains convinced the youngster can become a Gunners legend.

The 19-year-old chalked up his first full international goals in some style as England put themselves on the road to South Africa 2010 with a convincing 4-1 defeat of Croatia.

While Wenger believes Walcott - who arrived at Arsenal in a high-profile, big money move in January 2006 - has not yet reached his peak, he warned against the inevitable comparisons now being drawn with former captain Thierry Henry.

"The potential is there - but do not make him Thierry Henry before he is Thierry Henry," said Wenger.

"One game is one game, a career is something different, it is consistency.

"I am convinced it is in him, but let it get out and give him time."

Arsenal travel to Ewood Park for the first of three tough away games, which include a trip to Ukraine for a Champions League opener against Dynamo Kiev next Wednesday.

Wenger is likely to give some of his returning internationals a breather and attempt to freshen things up in Lancashire.

He said: "I will have to rotate the squad now in the next three games because you cannot expect the players who have played in their national teams can play three times in a week. We have a very compact squad and people are interchangeable."

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