Theo Walcott pleased by return to Arsenal lineup

Theo Walcott has revealed his delight after making his first start for a year in Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Hull City in the FA Cup third round.

Arsene Wenger has been reluctant to rush the England international back since he recovered from knee ligament damage, and Walcott admits that it is a relief to be back in contention for a regular place in the Arsenal side.

"It's amazing," the 25-year-old, who was taken off in the 76th minute, told BBC. "Obviously it's been a whole year now, to the day. It's nice to get my first start. It's nice to blow the cobwebs away.

"I had a lot of chances - it'll come, I'm not putting too much pressure on myself. As long as I'm getting those chances early on, I'm pleased.

"I think mentally it is very hard when you are in the treatment room alone, when your teammates are going out to train or going to the World Cup, but I had a lot going on in my life off the field which helped me keep going."

Arsenal are back in action against Stoke City next Sunday.