Arsenal defender ready to play key role as they chase glory in three competitions

Calum Chambers showed perfect timing to prove he is in the right place to complete his football education.

Defender Chambers scored a superb goal in front of watching England manager Roy Hodgson as Arsenal beat Burnley in the FA Cup, highlighting his value to the Gunners' squad and dispelling some doubts before his previous club Southampton visit in the league on Tuesday.

Versatile Chambers made a whirlwind start to his Arsenal career after his £16m move from Saints in July 2014 and even won three caps under Hodgson.

But in the last year or so, he has lost his first team place, fallen out of Hodgson’s reckoning and seen John Stones of Everton eclipse him as England’s brightest defensive prospect.

But the 21-year-old insists he has no regrets about joining the Londoners and says there is no chance of him leaving on loan, as has been mooted.

“I believe it was the right move. I’m really happy here,” said Chambers. “I’m pleased with how it’s all going.

“I’m learning in the background. I’m not playing as much, but you can’t let yourself get frustrated. You’ve just got to stay focused — keep your eye on the goal, concentrate on yourself. That’s the key to it.

“I’m just concentrating on getting games, training hard and thinking each game as it comes, trying to get myself in the squad and in the team. I’m trying to get myself stronger in training and things like that.

“Of course I want to be in the first team but when I don’t play I take it on the chin. I still watch the boys, support the boys and that’s what you have to do.”

“I’m learning in training, watching players in my positions and recently I’ve started training in holding midfield and played a few games there. That was enjoyable as well.

“I still see myself as a centre-back. Maybe holding midfielder, but I see myself as a centre-back, really.”