West Ham United midfielder Jack Wilshere said on Friday that missing most of last season with yet another injury was “devastating” -- but he hopes a better year is to come.

The 27-year-old is widely mentioned as one of the most gifted England players of his generation but he has been plagued by injury throughout his career.

But after a promising start, the former England midfielder suffered a serious ankle injury and made just eight Premier League appearances.

Wilshere, who has 34 caps for England, said: “I want to play a big part this season and play as many games as I can and help the team finish as high as we can.”

Speaking in Shanghai on the eve of West Ham's Premier League Asia Trophy match with Newcastle United, Wilshere added: “I don't have to tell you how frustrating it was.

“To miss so much of the season was devastating.“But that's behind me, it's a new season, it's nice to be involved in the team.“Now I want to push on.”