David O’Leary challenges Jack Wilshere to break his Arsenal record

David O’Leary has challenged Jack Wilshere to break his all-time record of the most appearances for Arsenal.

The former Republic of Ireland defender played 722 games for the north Londoners during an 18-year career with the Gunners.

O’Leary won two league titles and two FA Cups during a decorated spell at Highbury before leaving the club for Leeds United in 1993.

And although he finds it hard to envisage anyone matching his tally, he would love to see the 21-year-old Wilshere, who already has 97 Arsenal appearances under his belt, attempt to beat it.

“I’d love to be proved wrong but I just can’t see my record being beaten,” O’Leary told Arsenal’s website.

“It’s a lot of games. When you look at the numbers I think we were averaging 50 games a season. I didn’t think it was a big deal, that was what you had to do, you had to play two or three times a week.

“It’s hard to see someone going past my appearances but records are there to be broken and if it is I would be delighted if it’s someone like Jack, because then I will know that a tremendous player – who I am sure will improve and improve – played at Arsenal for a long time. And that can only benefit the club.”

Wilshere this week admitted that he is aiming to one day captain both England and Arsenal.

“I want to captain Arsenal and I want to captain England. That definitely appeals to me. It’s my ultimate dream,” he told the Sun.