Jack Wilshere: FA Cup final will make or break Arsenal's season

Jack Wilshere's appearance against West Brom on Sunday was his 21st of the season in all competitions

Jack Wilshere believes Arsenal's season will be defined by whether they retain the FA Cup on Saturday.

The Gunners finished third in the Premier League and the midfielder says it can only be classed a good campaign if they beat Aston Villa at Wembley.

Wilshere, 23, said: "I think that will define if we have a good season or not.

"We wanted to get to second this year but unfortunately we couldn't manage that so now we're looking to finish the season off with the cup."

Wilshere missed much of the season through a serious ankle injury sustained against Manchester United in November and admitted to having "dark, lonely days in the gym when all the players are training".

But he returned to the Arsenal starting XI for their 4-1 win over West Brom at the weekend and his stunning shot in that match was voted Match of the Day's goal of the season.

He now hopes to follow it by featuring in the FA Cup final and said: "I really want to play. It's probably the biggest game of the season.

"I've been injured for a lot of the season so it's been frustrating and I've worked really hard to come back."

Aaron Ramsey has been Arsenal's regular starter in central midfield alongside Santi Cazorla for much of the latter part of the campaign.

But Wilshere added: "I feel really good. Of course it's down to the manager but hopefully I will play.

"When you come back and you get to major finals and you can win major trophies, that definitely is something that keeps you going."