City boss Glenn Roeder admitted as much yesterday, and after last weekend's impressive showing in the engine room, it is clear that Canary loan star Kieran Gibbs is settling into life in Norfolk very nicely.
A nervy debut on the left-wing against Hull proved just a smokescreen and when moved to the middle against Barnsley last Saturday, he put in a much improved performance. Confident on the ball, you could tell he was a product of the Arsenal Academy.
And he is most definitely enjoying the rough and tumble of the Championship, as well as that favoured central role.
“I enjoy the physical demand of the Championship, and hopefully I can get some more experience in there,” revealed Gibbs.
“I think when you play in the Championship the game is definitely won in the middle of the pitch.
“That's where the battle is and I enjoy that more, especially in the Championship, playing in the middle rather than out wide.
“I can be a bit quiet sometimes, but I think the middle is better for me. I think that's where I prefer most, but I just like being on the pitch really.”
Just one of City's loan rangers, Gibbs revealed that being part of a squad littered with young Premier League talent had helped him settle in that little bit quicker.
And having enjoyed a team-bonding training camp in Spain, Gibbs revealed the spirit in the Canary camp as one of the many reasons behind City's excellent form ? Leicester aside.
“It helps me that there are other young players. Most of us are staying at the same hotel and we're always together. I think that showed in the match last week. For a young side to go out and do what we did was good.
“The trip to Spain was about getting to know the boys and getting some warm weather training in, which we did most of the days we were out there, so it was a good trip for everyone.
“We were with each other 24/7, sometimes we were able to play a bit of golf and just get to know the boys a lot better.”
Whether he will retain his place in this afternoon's clash with Blackpool is yet to be seen. Despite a positive display against the Tykes, captain Mark Fotheringham is ready to return after serving his one-match ban.
But Gibbs revealed that the competition for places was vital. And it was all about the team. Team, team, team.
“There is competition for places, but I don't think anyone is going to be disappointed,” added Gibbs, who at just 18 years of age, speaks with a maturity beyond his years.
“They are going to be disappointed if they don't play, but that is not going to change how they feel on the day, they are always going to want the team to win. I think the competition is good for the team because it gets everyone wanting to play.”
And turning out in front of 25,000 every other week must be a welcome change from reserve team football, even if it is for the mighty Arsenal.
“It's great to play at Carrow Road. The crowd are all supportive and everyone is behind the team. That is what gets us going, and there is a great spirit everywhere at the club. From the changing room into training, everyone is really positive.
“The manager is getting everyone going every day. We haven't found that way of losing yet and we'll just keep on going to the end of the season.”
One thing you can be sure of is that there will be a pair of Arsenal eyes focused somewhere on Gibbs during his every move in Norfolk.
They have high hopes for this boy and will be making sure he is well looked after during his spell in the Championship.
“Arsenal have been in touch,” added Gibbs. “Some of my managers come to watch the matches. The reserve team manager and my old youth team manager ring me up to see if I'm playing. They are always ringing to see how I'm getting on.”
And he had a message for Gunners team-mate Eduardo, whose season was so cruelly ended last weekend with that horrific leg break.
As far as he is concerned, the Croatian superstar, who has taken the Premier League by storm since his move from Dinamo Zagreb, would be leading the Arsenal attack sooner rather than later.
“I wish him all the best and I'm sure he will recover. He is a professional man and he loves playing football. He won't be back this season obviously, but this time next year I reckon he will be starting up again.”
Tom Haylett
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