Arsenal's Theo Walcott has conceded that time is running out for him to live up his potential and be considered a leading player in world football.

The 26-year-old has struggled with consistency over the course of his career and also spent nearly a year on the sidelines after tearing knee ligaments against Tottenham Hotspur in the third round of the FA Cup in January 2014.

Walcott has admitted that he needs to produce his best football on a regular basis to ensure that he does not waste the potential that saw Arsene Wenger pay £12m to sign him from Southampton at the age of 16.

He told reporters: "If I want to be known as one of the great players, I need to perform for England and Arsenal on a consistent basis. It's been a gradual process to get here, but these have to be my years. I'm at the age where I need to push on, without a doubt.

"I've got to take my Arsenal form into England matches, which will be a big step for me. My career has all been patches. It hasn't been at a consistent level. I know that in myself. What makes a great player? Well, positive thinking is always important, and so is actually affecting the game.

"When I've been given the opportunity this season, I've managed to prove myself. But just doing that on a more consistent basis is the next step. I think that when you're needed in these big games, you need to stand up for yourself."

Walcott is expected to be in action when England take on the Republic of Ireland in a friendly in Dublin later today.