Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that losing the Wales captaincy will help midfielder Aaron Ramsey "play with more freedom".

The 21-year-old has been replaced as the Dragons skipper by Swansea City defender Ashley Williams for their upcoming 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Scotland and Croatia.

"I don't think it will affect him - it can help him play with more freedom," said Wenger on Arsenal's official website.

"He's at an age where you have to focus first on your game and later on in your career on some other things.

"At the moment it's a bit less responsibility for him and will help him play with more freedom and add something to his game. I felt he was a bit young when he was given the armband."

Ramsey joined Arsenal from Cardiff City in 2008.