Arsene Wenger is convinced it will not be long before Theo Walcott starts knocking in goals "for fun" again.

Now 17, Walcott joined Arsenal just over a year ago from Saints in a deal which could eventually cost the north London club £12million.

A media frenzy followed his controversial inclusion in Sven-Goran Eriksson's ill-fated England World Cup squad, even though Walcott had yet to play a first-team match at Arsenal.

Although having now chalked up more than 20 appearances in all competitions - including eight starts - the exciting teenager has not scored.

His last goal in domestic football came for Saints in the FA Cup against MK Dons in the first week of January 2005.

Walcott, though, has scored four goals in four games for England under-21s this season.

The 17-year-old has looked out of sorts in recent weeks, and missed another great chance to open his account when firing wide from close range in the FA Cup tie against Bolton on Sunday.

Wenger is likely to again keep faith with the England international for tonight's second leg of the Carling Cup semi-final versus North London rivals Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium.

The Arsenal manager believes such lulls are perfectly natural at this stage of the young man's career, and understands the weight of expectation which Walcott has to deal with.

Wenger said: "I do not mind that he has not scored.

"In the past he has scored goals for fun. At the moment he had not scored, so it must play a part on his mind.

"What convinces me is he is such a good finisher in training and the way he took his last two chances was a bit hesitant.

"That means it is playing certainly a big part on his mind."

Wenger added: "He is on the verge of getting over it dip in form.

"Theo has made the biggest step now. It is part of growing - being hit by the expectation level.

"When you start, no one expects anything from you. Once you are established as a name, people expect something special from you every time you touch the ball.

"It is part of the maturing process to get over that and learn to deal with and stick to what made your game strong."

The Arsenal manager knows much is expected of the young forward, who has found himself involved with the England Under-21s since Steve McClaren took charge of the national team.

Wenger said: "Once you are famous and have a name, it is difficult to keep being patient.

"You forget that this boy is not even 18 years of age.

"Just let him play, give him the needed confidence.

"He has made big big improvements in the last six months. That will come out very shortly".