Kieran Gibbs: 'I've still not fulfilled my potential'

England and Arsenal left-back Kieran Gibbs says he is still some way off fulfilling his potential as a player.

The 24-year-old, who won his third England cap in last month’s 1-0 defeat by Germany, has added consistency to his undoubted promise after an early career dogged by injury.

Last season he played 34 times for the Gunners, has been an ever-present in the league this term, and England manager Roy Hodgson has found a place for Gibbs in his last two squads.

"I still feel there's more to come from me," Gibbs told arsenal.com. "But I'm happy with my form over the year. Since I came back from injury I feel like I've performed and set a standard. I want to keep that going, I feel it's important to stay fit and keep doing that.”

Gibbs says he now understands the physical demands of being a top-level footballer, and the importance he must place on working off the pitch.”

"I've put a lot of work in off the pitch which is helping me - I've only realised in the last year or 18 months how important that is. I just know my body better so it's easier for me to stay fit and recover for the amount of games we play."

While Gibbs is been earmarked by many as a successor to Ashley Cole and Leighton Baines in the England No3 jersey, he has already had to come to terms with intense competition for a starting spot, as he vies for his club position with Spain international Nacho Monreal.

At 27 Monreal is older than Gibbs and has 16 caps to the Londoner’s three. Gibbs knows he cannot let his performances drop.

"He's a top-class player," Gibbs said. "He plays for his national team so I'm aware of his qualities and the more that he puts me under pressure, it makes me perform.

"I know that he's there and ready to step in. There's competition all over the pitch, there's competition everywhere in football and in life. I think the most important thing is to enjoy that, as long as it helps the club then we're both happy."