Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott are competing for a single striker's position at Arsenal

Olivier Giroud says he can have no complaints about Theo Walcott keeping him out of the Arsenal side.

Walcott has been preferred as a central striker for the Gunners in recent weeks and has seven goals in his last nine games for club and country.

Giroud kept his hand in with both France's goals in a 2-1 friendly win in Denmark on Sunday and has two goals from the bench since losing his starting place.

He said: "At Arsenal, I am in competition with Theo for the striker position, but he is doing well at the moment so there is no reason to change.

"Whether it was at Tours, Montpellier or Arsenal, I have never experienced a situation like this, I have often played from the start. I need to take positives and to harden myself mentally. It is something new for me.

"I was in [Walcott's] place in previous seasons at Arsenal. I imagine what he must have been thinking. But I feel that the coach believes in me.

"It has been for several matches now that I have played less, that is for sure, but I do not need to be worried. I need a bit more game time but also to believe more in my abilities."

Giroud's next chance of a start is at Vicarage Road on Saturday, when Watford host Arsenal live on Sky Sports.