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From a wonderkid ready to take on the world to an injury-prone squad member Arsenal are trying to flog... RealSport discuss the career of Jack Wilshere.

Its September 2008 and Arsenal are away to Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League. A young kid called Jack Wilshere who has been making a name for himself in the reserves was given a place on the bench. Before Wilshere, Wayne Rooney was the last 16-year-old Englishman to receive this much fuss and attention.

In the 84th minute, Arsene Wenger decided Wilshere deserved to make his professional debut and came on for Robin ban Persie as a substitute. He became Arsenals youngest ever debutant at just 16 years and 256 days.

Ten days later, he scored his first goal in a 6-0 League Cup win over Sheffield United. In November that year Wilshere became only the fifth 16-year-old to appear in the Champions League, against Dynamo Kiev. The world was at his feet and it took no time at all for the confident teenager to show what he was all about.

There truly was a star in the making.

Still not quite in the first XI on a full time basis, Wenger decided a loan move to Bolton Wanderers would further Wilsheres development and so he joined the Trotters in January 2010 until the end of the season.

He impressed so much in the midfield that they tried to resign him for the whole of the 2010/11 season but Arsenal werent having it. He was ready to become a prominent first team figure for the North Londoners.

Wilshere started the season with another career milestone and made his senior England debut in August against Hungary at just 18-years-old. The midfielder made a great start to the season for Arsenal, playing all of their August fixtures and continued his fine form into October.

However, we saw the first incident of petulance and immaturity from Wilshere that month, getting sent off for a tackle against Nicola Zigic against Birmingham City.

It was certainly a learning curve for Wilshere as he returned to finish a wonderful campaign, featuring an incredible 49 times for Arsenal that season, winning the clubs Player of the Year Award, the PFA Young Player of the Year and getting into the PFA Team of the Year.

However, the summer leading up to the 2011/12 season is where it all started to go wrong for the boy wonder.

A stress fracture to his ankle he received in a pre-season game was expected to keep him out until February. However, setback after setback occurred and the midfielder did not play a single minute of football that season, even missing the 2012 Summer Olympics and Englands 2012 European Championship campaign.

His rehabilitation continued into next season and after an incredible 17-month lay off, Wilsheres nightmare appeared to be over, playing in the Premier League win over Queens Park Rangers. It was like the 20-year-old had never left, earning the Man of the Match award. He continued to produce fine form, however little injuries become a regular occurrence and Wenger confirmed he would have minor surgery at the end of the season to remove a pin.

It was a quick recovery and Wilshere was ready for the 2013/14 season. His performances were yet again impressive, however in March of that season Wilshere suffered a hairline fracture on his left foot in a game against Denmark for England. It kept him out for six weeks and the injuries were beginning to mount up, though he did end the season coming on as a substitute to win his first major trophy in a 3-2 FA Cup Final win over Hull City.

However, his joy was short lived and in November of next season, Wilshere picked up yet another injury to his ankle, ruling him out for three months.

The following pre season and Wilshere again suffered injury heartbreak, breaking his fibula, which was supposed to rule him out for one month, however required surgery in September which ruled him out for a further three.

Wilshere has admitted that injuries have left him frustrated but he works hard to return as soon as possible and made the decision to move on loan to Bournemouth for the 2016/17 season to regain his form, fitness and play regular football. It wasnt the career path Wilshere would have wanted to take.

By now he was expected to be one of the worlds best midfielders and the first name on Arsenals team sheet. Wilshere then was rightly commended for taking the choice to try and resurrect his career rather than sit on Arsenals bench.

However, Wilshere, despite making a healthy number of appearances largely failed to impress and in April in a match against Tottenham Hotspur once again suffered an injury. He received a hairline fracture to his left fibula in an apparently nothing challenge with Harry Kane. He required surgery and would miss the rest of the season.

It has led to Arsenal and Wenger losing patience.

The one-time boy wonder who could dominate midfields and weave his way past any opponent with his dribbling ability and low centre of gravity. The man who was supposed to run the show for England for the next generation and who famously dominated a Barcelona midfield consisting of Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta and Xavi in a Champions League knockout game. He is now someone who Arsenal appear happy to let go for a paltry 9 million to Sampdoria of Italy.

Perhaps more worryingly for Wilshere, is the fact that there seem to be no takers, even at that price.

His injury record is far too risky. Arsenal fans will be devastated. He was one of their own and one of the most talented youngsters in world football. Wilshere was a ready-made captain and legend for the club just waiting to happen. The fans loved his ability and his fiery attitude.

As it is, Wilsheres career has taken a very different path. Hopefully a fresh start will be making of the former boy wonder.

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Arsenal: Jack Wilshere's dramatic fall from grace reaches its climax - RealSport101

Facing the Highlanders yet again is something to get excited about, Crusaders assistant coach Leon MacDonald says.

The sides have met four times already this season - two friendlies and two competition games - and the Crusaders have won three of the matches.

MacDonald told media in Christchurch yesterday the familiarity of the opponent did have some advantages.

``It helps the coaches as we do not have to come up with a thousand new clips,'' he joked.

``But we know the players, we knows their traits. We know about getting ready for the battle, what to expect.

``I'm not sure knowing them helps; we know it is going to be tough.

``We just have to prepare accordingly The small things matter, the scrum, the lineout accuracy matters, the backline defence and attack matters. It is about getting it right.

``We have won two from two [the two competitions games] so we know we are good enough. It is a knockout game so it is important to us. It is just about delivering now.

``We didn't do it right last time out so we have got to get it right.''

Macdonald said the side was excited to be playing a playoff match back at home and the game would go up to another level.

``We are excited to be home again and going up against the Highlanders.

``Any game is going to be hard at this stage of the season.

``We know their game, we know our game. It is about who executes better.

`In the end it might come down to a special play.''

The Crusaders were on the wrong end of referee Glen Jackson against the Hurricanes last Saturday night and MacDonald said that came from a lack of accuracy. That had to improve this week.

``You can't do that in a big game. That just shows how important discipline is.''

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It's about delivering now: MacDonald - Otago Daily Times

ICC WOMEN'S WORLD CUP 2017

Cricbuzz StaffLast updated on Mon, 17 Jul, 2017, 02:16 PM

"Given that they've played well [against New Zealand] they'll come in with a bit of momentum and I expect them to be really tough" - Perry Getty

Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry, who is having a stunning ICC Women's World Cup, having scored five consecutive fifties and also excelling with the ball, feels that India will be a different team when Australia face them in the semifinal in Derby. India are coming into the big game after crushing New Zealand by 186 runs - in a virtual quarterfinal knockout game - on the same ground in Derby.

India started their campaign with a 35-run win over England and have won all their four games they have played in Derby. While Australia is yet to play at the County ground. On the back of that winning run and with momentum behind them, Perry believes India will be tough to beat.

"Given that they've played well [against New Zealand] they'll come in with a bit of momentum and I expect them to be really tough," Perry said on Monday (July 17).

"They probably left a few things unattended against us the other day that we know they're really dangerous, they've got a great couple of batters and some really dangerous bowlers. They'll be good," she noted.

Though Australia comfortably beat the Asian nation in Bristol in the league phase, with Perry shining with the bat, she feels that India may be peaking at the right time.

"We maybe didn't come up against them at their strongest on the day," she said. "I'm sure they'll be really keen to rectify that. It's a great test for us and we are really looking forward to it."

Even though Perry has scored five successive fifties in the ongoing tournament, she hasn't still compiled her maiden ODI ton - which continues to remain out of her reach - but that isn't bothering her one bit.

"It's got no consequence for me at the minute," she observed. "We've got an important match in the semi-final and I think that all of us are really keen to contribute and win that game and give us a chance to play in the final.

"Whatever role I play is important. If that means that I need to go on and score big then ... I'd like to do that. But [a maiden century] is no consequence at the moment," she added.

Perry's brilliant form with the bat has seen her rise to third place in the latest ICC player rankings for batters. She also went to the top of the rankings for all-rounders, replacing Windies' Stafanie Taylor.

Meanwhile, Perry is placed ninth in the bowling rankings - a list headed by Marizanne Kapp of South Africa.

Cricbuzz

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England's formidable batting versus South Africa's robust bowling

Australia geared up for India challenge: Mooney

WWC17 Weekly Wrap: Of unprecedented records and heartbreaks

A story of disparity for T20 giants Windies

Hunger for runs never dies: Mithali Raj

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Perry expecting 'stiff test' in semifinal - Cricbuzz

Janusz Michallik reviews the United States' group stage performance in the Gold Cup and notes the key performers.

PHILADELPHIA -- From the outset of this Gold Cup, it was the plan of U.S men's national team manager Bruce Arena to add six players to his roster at the conclusion of the group stage. The tournament rules allow it, and Arena took full advantage.

All of which seems kind of a shame.

The U.S. manager has brought in the Toronto FC duo of Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore. He's also added Portland Timbers midfielder Darlington Nagbe, Seattle Sounders forward Clint Dempsey, Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Tim Howard and FC Dallas goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez.

The infusion of experience is considerable. Out of those six, four of them -- Bradley, Altidore, Dempsey and Howard -- have more than 100 caps apiece. Nagbe has been a steady presence for the U.S. throughout 2017. Only Gonzalez, who just recently had his one-time switch of affiliation from Mexico to the U.S. approved by FIFA, can be considered a prospect.

The unlucky six who were sent back to their clubs were really an unlucky three. Midfielder Alejandro Bedoya and his wife Beatrice are expecting their second child this week, so his departure was long planned. It was also understood that goalkeepers Brad Guzan and Sean Johnson would be sent back to Atlanta United and New York City FC, respectively. That left Kelyn Rowe, Cristian Roldan and Dom Dwyer to be sent home.

It's peculiar in that Rowe and Dwyer have shown well over the course of the past three weeks, with each player scoring a goal and contributing to the attack in other ways. Roldan's situation is easier to understand, as he had his moments of struggle against Martinique, though he did take good care of the ball. But for these three players, it's clear that their playing time would have been severely limited going forward, considering who was called up. That is true especially for Dwyer given that Dempsey and Altidore will chew up the bulk of the forward minutes, while Juan Agudelo and Jordan Morris have the ability to play out wide if needed.

"All of [the decisions] are difficult because all of the players did well," Arena told reporters. "I thought Dom, Cristian and Kelyn did very well, and I told them that. They're players that we're obviously going to continue to keep an eye on, and continue to obviously have them in the program."

He added, "It's a difficult tournament, and when you play so many less experienced and younger players together, it's difficult. It's not easy. Probably the perfect way to do that is to mix in more veteran players. But we wanted to give everyone an opportunity, and that's the way we decided to do it, and I think they came through with passing grades, all of them."

It's an odd rule to be sure, one that I can't recall being replicated anywhere else in the world. Given how crowded the international calendar tends to get in the summer, as well as the fact that MLS shuts down for only the group stage, it's understandable that CONCACAF would want to allow some flexibility to teams in order to get the best players on display. But at the same time, it seems to undermine the integrity of the competition by allowing such drastic changes.

To be clear, the U.S. isn't doing anything wrong here, but it still seems unfortunate, in a way, for Arena to bring in reinforcements, and not just for the players sent home. With essentially five starters added, it's almost as if a different team will take the field for Wednesday's quarterfinal, and playing time will be much harder to come by for those group-stage players who remain.

Without question, the U.S. looked far from convincing during the group stage. It played poorly in a 1-1 draw with Panama and was given a fright by unheralded Martinique in a 3-2 win, before looking more like its old self in a 3-0 victory over Nicaragua.

But the whole point of this tournament, for the U.S. at any rate, was to give some playing time to some heretofore bit-part -- and, in some cases, no-part -- players. During the group stage, Arena did that and then some, giving starts to 22 out of the 23 players on the roster. So why not let them finish the job? Why not see how these players can do in a knockout game possessing a very different kind of pressure from the group stage?

Granted, the winner of this Gold Cup gets one foot in the door toward qualifying for the Confederations Cup, but that assumes there will be a Confederations Cup in four years' time. Considering Qatar is hosting the 2022 World Cup in the winter, holding the tournament in December 2021 is a no-go with the game's power brokers in Europe. Ditto for holding it in the searing summer heat. There is talk of using the 2021 Club World Cup as a dry run for the World Cup instead.

So what does the U.S. really gain by bringing in five new starters? Arena highlighted the quintet's experience, and it obviously gives the U.S. a much better chance of winning the tournament. The competition for places will certainly heat up. But it also seems unlikely that Arena will acquire more data about his player pool as opposed to if he had kept his roster the same.

That is precisely the approach Mexico has taken. Certainly, it's not quite an apples-to-apples comparison given that El Tri's participation in this year's Confederations Cup added an extra competition to their calendar. But manager Juan Carlos Osorio is giving his inexperienced side -- which had a stumble of its own in tying Jamaica 0-0 -- the chance to win the tournament, as opposed to making changes.

"I think this group deserves the opportunity to continue [in the Gold Cup] and experience this tournament and the great responsibility that representing Mexico is," said Osorio.

He added, "[I feel] happy, very optimistic about the group. We're continuing to consolidate a very good group of talented, young players that are the future of Mexican football. That factor, for me personally, is the most gratifying and what I enjoy most in life."

As it stands now, a hypothetical U.S. lineup for Wednesday's quarterfinal could consist entirely of players who were on the roster for the World Cup qualifiers last June. So it looks like for Arena, the search for that kind of gratification Osorio referred to has been put on hold.

Jeff Carlisle covers MLS and the U.S. national team for ESPN FC. Follow him on Twitter @JeffreyCarlisle.

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Arena won't learn more about US player pool by calling in reinforcements - ESPN FC (blog)

The ACC started their 2017 ACC Football Kickoff on Thursday, and commissioner John Swofford held his annual press conference in which he discussed various subjects about the conference.

Swofford answered a question about ACC division realignment and cross-rivalries such as Duke and North Carolina State that will only play each other now once every six years.

"I don't know," Swofford said. "I don't have an answer to that really. I think that's probably one of the -- one of those challenges that any league that gets to 14 has. I mean, there's no easy solution to that. And what's right for one conference might not be right for another conference. But it's pretty much -- it's very similar in every league of our size. I think that's one of the -- you know, in an ideal world you'd love for everybody to play everybody. The next thing you love is for everybody to play everybody as often as they can, since it can't be every year. And then beyond that, you just keep, I think, turning over, is there a better way to do this? If you ever get to the point where you just say, you know, there's not a better way to do it, that's not a good place to be. I don't care how well things are going, you need to be looking at is there a better way to do it? So far we haven't come up with one that's better than what we're doing in the minds of the majority of our schools, and that's how that works is a majority vote. Same thing with divisions."

Swofford believes that the two ACC divisions are very balanced right now.

"We haven't really talked about divisions in several years now," Swofford said. "There for a while, we talked about it and how to schedule every meeting. So I think right now where we are, things have settled in both in terms of how we schedule and in terms of the divisions, and you know, divisions can change. We all know that. Right now -- and if you look at -- surprisingly, to some, if you look at over the years the head-to-head competition with the Atlantic and Coastal, it's very close to 500. It's not imbalanced. But you know, we'll keep looking at it, but I wouldn't anticipate any change in the near future."

Honestly, with all due respect to Mr. Swofford, you got this one wrong as there is a severe imbalance in the ACC Atlantic with Clemson and Florida State. These two teams are top five type teams moving forward in the next decade and beyond and should be playing in the ACC Championship yearly in a must-see marquee national matchup, not in a knockout game in the middle of the regular season. College Football fans are smart and will turn the channel for better games if a 7-4 coastal team is playing in the ACC Championship.

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Swofford on ACC division realignment - TigerNet