Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has revealed that extra work on the training ground is the reason behind his move up the pecking order in recent weeks.

Ramsey has started in his preferred central midfield role more frequently since the turn of the year, including a spirited display in a 1-0 win at Sunderland earlier this month.

The Welsh international feels that he is coming close to top form and says that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has noticed an improvement since the turn of the year.

He told the club's official website: "We have some good competition in there but I've trained well over the last few weeks and have done some bits and bobs away from the pitch and fought my way into the team.

"I am getting stuck in a lot more now. I had my own stats back from the games and I am winning a lot more balls back and reading the game better and maybe moving the ball quicker, which suits the way we play.

"I've been happy. I should have scored at least one goal on the weekend but at the moment I am just concentrated on keeping the shirt. I am moving the ball quickly and winning the ball back. That is what I have been doing and I have had positive feedback from the boss. He has been happy with that."

The 22-year-old has made 33 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions this season.