Jack Wilshere is poised to sign a new and improved contract at Arsenal which will tie him to the club until 2015 and reward him for the encouraging start he has made to the season.

The 18-year-old midfielder's deal expires in the summer after next and Arsène Wenger, who sees shades of Liam Brady in Wilshere, has been keen to secure him for the longer term. Negotiations with Wilshere's representatives are advanced.

"We are confident we will sign Jack very quickly," Wenger said. "We hope we can announce it soon. He has had a great start to the season. We expected him to come out in a higher position on the pitch but it suits him quite well to play from deep. There is a touch of Brady about him, although maybe Liam is not too happy about that."

One of the few blots on Wilshere's season is the red card he received against Birmingham City. He remains suspended for tomorrow's visit of West Ham United.

"He has been bored while he has been out," Wenger said, "because when you are on such a high and suddenly it stops, you miss things completely. He is keen to come back."