Jeffers may leave Arsenal

Jeffers wants first team football at Arsenal

Arsenal's £10m striker Francis Jeffers has admitted he will quit Highbury if he does not make his first-team breakthrough.

Jeffers has struggled with an ankle injury since his move from Everton last summer - and continues his return to full fitness in the England under-21 side against Portugal at Bolton.

But he agrees he is reaching the crucial stage of his stuttering Highbury career after falling even further down the pecking order in manager Arsene Wenger's plans.

Jeffers starts for England Under-21s

Jeffers has been battling to force his way past Thierry Henry, Sylvain Wiltord and Dennis Bergkamp - and now has Jeremie Aliadiere for competition.

He said: "This is a big season for me. If things do work out at Arsenal then great, and I'm looking forward to the challenge.

"But if I don't crack it I'll have to move on elsewhere. Obviously there comes a time where if you are not in the team, you have to look at the situation.

Owen to captain England

"It will be tough to get back in the team because of the quality of the front men at the club. But I knew that before I signed so I'm under no illusions about what it will take."

Jeffers added: "The lads have been great to me. You could see that when Thierry was trying to help me score in the last game of last season.

"Patrick Vieira and Tony Adams have really helped because they have known what I have been going through, and the manager has been very patient.

"The under-21 match is also a chance to get back my match fitness and help me at Arsenal.

"I'm feeling better every day and just need some more games before I can consider myself fully fit. Feeling good about yourself is everything.

"I want to get back and do the business because I've been held back by injuries."

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