Former Saint Theo Walcott celebrates his 20th birthday today - with manager Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger tipping him to continue his rapid rise to stardom.

Walcott started to deliver on his considerable promise at the start of the season, starring for both Arsenal and England before he was sidelined by a shoulder injury.

But the England starlet produced a typically lively performance in Arsenal's 4-0 win against Blackburn, his first Premiership appearance for four months, on Saturday.

Now he is ready to inspire Wenger's side to a strong end-of-season run-in, starting with the FA Cup quarter-final against Hull tomorrow night.

Wenger said: "He made a very good start and became stronger and stronger.

"He gives us something that is important when we play at home. He goes behind the defenders and creates room with his direct game. We need that, especially at home.

"It is important to have him back, he gives us something that can make a difference in any game.

"Compared to one year ago there is no comparison. At that age, every three months you go higher up but how much, you can never predict.

"But there is still a lot more to come from Theo."