Jack Wilshere will take a step towards a first team return when he plays in a behind closed doors friendly against Birmingham reserves tomorrow morning (Weds).

His last appearance in an Arsenal shirt was in the Emirates Cup and after a surgery, and a subsequent set-back, a successful outing tomorrow would be a significant step forward. Whether he builds up enough match fitness to play again for the first team this season remains to be seen but Arsene Wenger is optimistic about his chances.

Speaking before the Aston Villa game, he said, “Wilshere is back with the ball and for us that is a huge step. Today we can say if all goes well now in three weeks he will be back with the squad. Then another two weeks to get fit. I don’t have to hold him back yet because at the moment he suffers a lot for fitness. But after three weeks we’ll have to.

“I think he will play this season if he has no setbacks now. His last scan was positive, so he should be capable to play.”

And with Euro 2012 looming, the boss believes Jack needs to play for Arsenal before the season is over to have any chance of playing for England.

“If he has not played at all before the end of the season I don’t think it’s realistic,” he said.

Fingers crossed tomorrow goes well and we see Jack back in red and white during this crucial run in.