In late July, in the early part of Arsenal’s pre-season Conor Henderson came on late in the game against Cologne (featuring Podolski!). A couple of minutes and one unfortunate slip later his season was over as he suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury.
Now, having recently made his comeback for the reserves against Newcastle, the Republic of Ireland youngster is keen to put the frustration behind him and find first team football.
Speaking to this month’s Arsenal Magazine, Henderson said, “For the remainder of the season my main aim is to just get match fit and play as many games as I can.
“I would like to go away with the first team for pre-season again and hopefully it will be a bit more successful than last time! I was just breaking into the team so it (the injury) was a massive blow.”
And while his ambition is still a place in the Arsenal team, he knows that spending time out on loan might give him a better chance of first team football whilst aiding his development.
“I have a lot of friends out on loan at the moment and they have all said it’s a good experience. Playing men’s football and having to win games is what it’s all about, but I’d love to get into the manager’s plans here.
“I see myself as a central midfielder but I am comfortable on the left or the right – anywhere to get into this Arsenal team.”
And while there’s been a lot of focus on the negative side of social media and player interaction, Henderson says he was boosted by the messages of support he received from Arsenal fans.
“I received support from everywhere, evertone has been very helpful, even on Twitter. It is nice because when you are injured you do have down days, and if you get a Tweet from someone saying ‘You’re a great player, hope you come back soon’, it can make a big difference.
“I feel very privileged and humbled by the support I’ve received.”
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You can read the full interview with Conor Henderson, in which he talks about how Arsene Wenger lifted his spirits, his friendship with Benik Afobe and much more, in the May issue of the Official Arsenal Magazine. out now priced at £3.25. Visit here or call 0845 301 7626 (+44 845 301 7626) to subscribe.
It’s good to see Arsenal renewing their Irish connections – on the pitch as opposed to blogging ! – after too long an absence. Those opt us familiar with the 70s vintage will remember not just the players but our Irish Cup winning Manager Terry Neill. After a long hiatus, it’s good to see a return.
I think he’s English born and only can play for Ireland because one of his grandparents is Irish. Probably thought he had a better chance of playing internationally with Ireland. A bit like Giggs with Wales. I’m led to believe he’s a tidy passer of the ball but we have a lot of quality in that position and I don’t think he’ll quite make it to our first team. Hope he proves me wrong!
I thought Giggs qualified by shagging Welsh birds?
I liked this guy when I saw him against orient in the carling cup, hopefully he can go out on loan to a prem club next season, maybe bolton if they are still up!
Bolton almost seems like a magical land where loanees will always thrive. Including Sturridge, Ryo and Wilshere already.
Would like to see Frimpong at Bolton
Funny really as we seem to have some good youngsters coming through but we do need to strengthen the squad as well. If Wenger continues buying more players like Podolski then it will be tough for the youngsters to get into the first team. I would like to see a first team full of home grown talent but then again that talent has got to be world class if we are to compete with the likes of Man City and United.
Just an observation.
Problem is mate, that argunment was used for keeping Denilson, and not buying world class…
You need youngsters like this willing to be on the fringes to provide depth to the squad. If we send all our promising youngsters out on loan, then all we have to fall back on when the injuries hit are older players that are just happy to sit there and take the money, and offer little on the pitch.
Wouldn’t it be great if they invented some sort of Under 19 Champions League competition that our youngsters could play in and still be available to bring in for the occasional PL game. They wouldn’t need to be loaned out so much then, and would be getting some top class competitive football.
I think arsene’s got it just about right. we need the experienced heads to take the burden off the youngsters shoulders. The better they are the more they act as a bench mark for our youngsters to pass in order to earn their spot in the team and all that will do is improve the quality of the youngsters we produce. Those like henderson will stay and fight to prove themselves are the ones we want. The ones who leave for an easier time arn’t.
Never seen him play so much, how is he?
very good passer of the ball, great vision. Also has a bit of pace, dribble and strength about him too. A typical arsene wenger player if you will.
Is it just me or is their a feeling that we can really make a massive impression
on the EPL and CL next year.
So many good vibes about new players,returning players and dross being released.
Now for a Bolton win tonight and a Chelski/Newcastle draw to bring
St Totteringhams day very close
“Henderson looking to make up for lost time”…………….let’s hope we the diaby enigma is avoided this time around.
I absolutely support @Runcorn Gooner.
“I see myself as a central midfielder but I am comfortable on the left or the right – anywhere to get into this Arsenal team.”
*that* is what you want to hear
none of this cunting about with whinges about being played out of position
pure, burning, total desire just to get onto teh pitch in an arsenal jersey
more of this, please
couldn’t agree more. Seems like a nice guy as well
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so Paddy got up?
I totally agree.THE ARSENAL are the team to beat next season now we have grown some balls
Even after Moneybags City goes on a spending spree in the summer (whether they win or lose the title & God do I hope they lose…. Fuck you Na$ri you cunt!) I think we will be very tough to beat next season. The transfer window acquisitions and hopefully losing some deadwood from our squad as well as the return of injured and loaned players coupled with RVP doing even better after he signs a new contract and the soon to be deadly partnership of Van Podolski will surely spell doom to all those we face! COYG!!!!
Careful boys & girls. Everything’s rosy approaching the end of the season (providing we get 3rd) but come pre season Walcott, RVP, Podolski, Sagna, Koscielny, Szcezsny & Bendtner will be knackered from the Euros. Then there’s Ramsey, possibly Gibbs & Lansbury & Miyaichi all off to the Olympics. That leaves a thread bare squad to start the season. If we can get through the first month of the season positively, then maybe we can think about mounting a challenge.
This got me thinking… Even when you discount players such as Diaby it seems we have a larger number of injuries every year compared to other clubs… Why? Is it because other clubs play aggressive against us, is it the intensity of training, bad luck, or something else entirely? I know absolutely nothing about football fitness, so if someone here does it would be interesting to hear their opinion.
We’re all wondering the same thing. Even George Graham said that our amount and length of injuries needs to be looked at. Graham said: “You look back the last few years and look at the injuries and it is not a couple of weeks or even a month injuries that Arsenal have racked up,” “You look at Robin Van Persie, this is probably the first season he is injury free. And Tomas Rosicky. Key players have been out for long, long periods. It is something I would have a look at, the medical side of the club. “What sort of… Read more »
Having been a trainer,referee and player at amateur and professional level(officiating only) there were a few things that seemed to contribute to injury-proneness among players: 1) The failure of officials to protect our players and to permit serious foul play ignoring the damages done is an unfortunate but real threat to AFC. 2) The youth or age of the players is another element. Younger players risk injuries more than seasoned veterans since they are still growing and their bodies are still developing. This means that RVP, Diaby and Wilshere were all crocked when they were younger and needed longer time… Read more »
I thought that the idea that Arsenal suffer more injuries than other teams was declared a myth and put to rest around the time we got our new medical facilities.
“men’s football?” as opposed to…? Is there something we should know?
“I see myself as a central midfielder but I am comfortable on the left or the right – anywhere to get into this Arsenal team.” Loving these type of comments from young the Gooners. The more we produce that get into the first team (currently only Wilshere and Gibbs) the better. As this sort of attitude is what we have been missing at various points these last few seasons.
‘evertone has been very helpful, even on Twitter’ hehe