I HAVE every sympathy with Theo Walcott.

He is still only a baby but is under a lot of pressure already.When I was his age I was a regular for Southampton under Ted Bates in Division three.

Ted was laying the foundations for the club's future two years before our promotion in 1960 but since Theo, pictured right, was sold he has not had the chance to develop at the highest level.

Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, made some strange comments after the Carling Cup semi-final defeat to Spurs that suggested he thinks the time is right for Theo to go out on loan.

If he does, it will be best for him to go to another Premiership club rather than drop into the Championship. Otherwise he may as well have stayed at St Mary's.