Arsenal's Jack Wilshere enjoyed "tough" Nagoya Grampus test

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has declared that he feels ready to step up his quest for full fitness after playing 45 minutes in yesterday's latest pre-season friendly.

Wilshere managed to come through the second half of Arsenal's 3-1 win over Nagoya Grampus unscathed, as he continues his comeback from ankle surgery in May.

He told The Mirror: "It was tough. I went into a few tackles. But if you don't go in properly that's when you can't get yourself hurt. If you go in half and half you can hurt yourself. So I had to go into a couple of challenges.

"That's my game. I can't ever lose that or I wouldn't be the player I am. Obviously a game is different to training so I had a few aches and pains in other places but the ankle was fine. I've been doing a lot of power work when I wasn't able to do the fitness work. So power-wise I'm at the same level as the other players. But fitness wise I'm a bit behind. But it's coming.

"I played 45, I felt good and in the next game I'll hopefully get an hour and then we've got the Emirates Cup and I'm looking to get a full game there. Conditions here will help us when we get back to England. There's no air. You're struggling to breathe at times. This will really help us."

Arsene Wenger's side complete their Far Easr tour with a match in Saitama on Friday, before returning to Emirates Cup matches against Napoli and Galatasaray next weekend.