Bolton manager Owen Coyle is eager to retain on-loan Arsenal starlet Jack Wilshere for the first half of next season.

GettyImagesJack Wilshere is eager to prove himself for Arsenal and England.

Wilshere, 18, was mentioned as a potential surprise call-up for the World Cup last summer as he impressed during the pre-season Emirates Cup tournament, but he struggled for first-team opportunities at Arsenal and went to Bolton on loan in January.

Wilshere has been a vital part of Bolton's upturn in form under Coyle and, although the manager admits the player is eager to make an impression at Emirates Stadium, he believes it may be in his interest to remain at Bolton for the start of next season.

"It is clear that Jack wants to be an Arsenal player," he said. "I love that about him - he's desperate to play in the Arsenal team - but if he wasn't going to be in the Arsenal team, I believe it would help myself, Jack and Arsenal to give me another six months.

"It would do him good staying with us and he would go back there bigger and stronger. All I'm saying is if Arsene and Arsenal don't think he will be playing regularly at the start of the season, give me another six months and I will give him back in January. I would love to keep him."