Hector Bellerin admits he has been surprised by his integral role in the Arsenal line-up this season.

The 20-year old Spanish right-back has tallied 15 Premier League starts for a total of 25 appearances in all competitions this term and he acknowledges that he has been lucky to feature as much as he has.

Bellerin has become a vital player under Arsene Wenger and is looking to continue his improvement as the Gunners prepare for the FA Cup on May 30.

"If someone would have told me that this was a position I would do well in this season, I wouldn't have believed them," he told the club's official website.

"I was really close to leaving on loan again and was talking to the coaches about where to go next season but it turned out way differently.

"We're still fighting for the second spot and we're in the FA Cup final. Everything has been a surprise to me and I'm really, really enjoying it."

He added: "I knew that I was going to work hard wherever I was, fight for a spot wherever I was, and that's what I did. I got my chance and I think I took it."