Conor Henderson (M free agent b.1991)

[Wexford Delboy]

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/team-news-fabianski-starts-campbell-captain

on the bench for arsenal today, anyone seen him play before?

[MuckaTucka]

I searched for a thread for him but couldn't find one.

He's an Irish under 19 international. Plays in centre midfield or wide left.
Anyway, he's very highly rated at Arsenal and is on the bench today against Wigan. He only made his full debut for the Arsenal reserves this season so he's doing well.

Profile of Henderson from Arsenal official site (http://www.arsenal.com/reserves-youth/players/conor-henderson)

[tetsujin1979]

played in the two recent friendlies VS Poland:
April 6th: Ireland 4-2 Poland: http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=100818:ireland-under-19s-beat-poland-in-six-goal-thriller&catid=4:under-19&Itemid=12
April 8th: Ireland 1-0 Poland: http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=100824:kearns-goal-hands-ireland-victory-over-poland&catid=4:under-19&Itemid=12

It took an Irish attack of sublime quality in the 58th minute to break the deadlock. Substitute Conor Henderson split the vistors' defence with a threaded pass to Doran on the left, who in turn found Kearns in the box with his back to goal. The West Ham United forward turned his marker brilliantly and fired a low shot past Socha in the Poland goal.

[elroy]

I understand that he has represented both ROI and England at youth level but recently declared for us. Maybe I was wrong about Wenger after all.

[tetsujin1979]

Henderson came off the bench last night to set up the winner for Arsenal reserves: http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3305203/reserves/arsenal-res-v-wolverhampton-w.-res?tab=report

Sunu made it two five minutes later when he finished well from Conor Henderson’s centre. The substitute received the ball from Deacon inside the area and crossed for the unmarked French striker who side-footed home to cap a fine Arsenal move.

[Closed Account]

Conor was left out of the Reserves squad this evening as he is likely to be in the first team squad for the 5th Round Replay tomorrow night.
http://arsenalyouth.wordpress.com/2011/03/01/reserves-lose-to-hammers-in-five-goal-thriller-as-miquel-and-henderson-join-first-team-squad/?

[tetsujin1979]

good news, I had hoped to see him for the first team, or out on loan this season
scored a free kick for the reserves recently too - http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3305329/reserves/wolverhampton-w.-res-v-arsenal-res?tab=report
his twitter account is here: https://twitter.com/#!/Henderson_91

[SwanVsDalton]

Starts tonight for Arsenal against Leyton Orient.

[tommy_c12000]

Waiting for it to come on here, fairly excited I have to admit. It is a strong team Arsenal have out

[tommy_c12000]

Nice left foot on him. Playing wide left. Doing ok so far. Impressed by his strength shown in a couple of challenges

[theworm2345]

Had class so I missed the second half...how did he do?

[The Fly]

Had class so I missed the second half...how did he do?

Do your homework first, then we'll tell you.

[paul_oshea]

Brilliant fly, yer getting better. homework being key here.

[Closed Account]

Played left hand side of midfield and right side for last 20 minutes when subs came on. Looked for the ball regularly and looked comfortable on it. Few in a few decent crosses and was on free kicks too. Put in a few challenges too.

The best way to put it is that he that he didn't look out of place. Although this was a bit of a cakewalk against a League 1 side, the major benefit Henderson will get out of it, is that Wenger will be more willing to throw him against better opposition.

[Brendan 82]

I thought he looked very comfortable on the ball and, as others have said, did not look out of place either.

[SwanVsDalton]

Someone on BBC text updates said he was making Beckham-esque deliveries.

[tetsujin1979]

from Sky Sports text commentary


02 minutes Arsenal get their passing game going as Bendtner and Henderson combine, but a forward ball cannot quite find Chamakh's run into the penalty area.
03 minutes Diaby tries his luck from 25 yards, but it is blocked by the legs of Chorley. All Arsenal in the opening few minutes.
10 minutes Arsenal move to the opposite end of the field and win a corner. Rosicky's delivery lacks any real pace and Orient can clear without any real fuss. Henderson involved in the build-up.
18 minutes Good defending from Chorley as he stops Chamakh from meeting a Henderson cross from the left. Chamakh looks as if he is a little winded from the challenge.
26 minutes Orient have struggled to get out of their half in the last five minutes. Arsenal are just lacking the final ball for a second goal.
38 minutes Free-kick to Arsenal 30 yards from goal. Daniels floored Bendtner. Henderson to take the kick.
39 minutes Henderson curls the free-kick into the six yards box with his left foot, but it is just too high for his team-mates and Jones catches.
45 minutes ADDED TIME: There will be a minimum of two minute minutes added time before half-time.
45 + 2 minutes Chorley booked for a studs up challenge on Henderson near the centre circle. Correct decision. Nasty challenge.
Half Time Feekins has had a busy first half of research. He tweets @SkySportsPeteF: "265 caps between the 8 full internationals on the pitch for #afc. An under-strength XI? Henderson not such an odd choice now."
55 minutes Not a bad few minutes for Orient as another corner causes problems, but Gibbs is able to clear, in slightly panicky fashion, the delivery.
81 minutes Henderson has not set the world alight tonight, but neither has he done anything wrong. He has kept things simple which is all Wenger will have asked of him.
82 minutes Nasri wins another Arsenal corner. Henderson takes before eventually crossing with a delivery that just misses Squillaci.
90 minutes ADDED TIME: There will be a minimum of four minutes added time before the final whistle and confirmation that Arsenal will face United.
90 + 1 minutes It has taken 91 minutes, but Orient have their best chance of the match as Cox plays a great give and go with Carroll and forces Almunia to tip behind. The resulting corner is cleared.

[Nagger]

Looks like he did okay. Hope he can get a few Premier League games in, before the end of the season.

[Stuttgart88]

UK Times quotes Wenger as saying "technically he is of the standard we require". Times is a subscription site now so I can't post the link.

It doesn't sound like much, but I'd take it as quite a compliment.

[shakermaker1982]

I'm struggling to recall last Irish player to play for Arsenal. Stokes didn't get game time did he? It cannot be Eddie McGoldrick?! That was years ago.

[cornflakes]

will he stick with us or jump ship to England?
If hes good and playing for Arsenal they'l want him?

[bwagner]

will he stick with us or jump ship to England?
If hes good and playing for Arsenal they'l want him?

He already swapped from us then back from england then to us again so i think he cannot revert back to England if you get me..

[cornflakes]

He already swapped from us then back from england then to us again so i think he cannot revert back to England if you get me..

I do, good news indeed

[Alf Honn]

Can still switch back. Didn't play a competitive game with England.

[CraftyToePoke]

I'm struggling to recall last Irish player to play for Arsenal. Stokes didn't get game time did he? It cannot be Eddie McGoldrick?! That was years ago.

Graham Stack maybe, did he get a few league cup games?

[Stuttgart88]

Graham Stack?

Edit: duh

[theworm2345]

Graham Stack maybe, did he get a few league cup games?
I was wondering this myself yesterday, who was the last Irishman to play in the league for Arsenal (also last to start) and who was the last to score. Stokes did get a few games, Patrick Cregg got a few, and so did Stack, but all were in various Cup competitions. As far as I can tell Graham Barrett was the last to play in the league for Arsenal with two sub appearances. Otherwise I believe McGoldrick was the last to start a league match as well as the last to score a goal (in any competitive match). I don't believe an Irish player has ever scored or started a league match under Wenger.

[Stuttgart88]

Can still switch back. Didn't play a competitive game with England.Yes, but you can change association only once. Not sure of the facts in this case. Is Henderson not Irish-Irish?

[CraftyToePoke]

Yes, but you can change association only once. Not sure of the facts in this case. Is Henderson not Irish-Irish?

Sidcup - http://www.arsenal.com/reserves-youth/players/conor-henderson

[zackmorris]

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/henderson-it-s-a-night-i-ll-never-forget

one of the areas he discussed is being an irish youth international but you have to log in to see what he says...

[tetsujin1979]

mate of mine is a subscriber to Arsenal TV (or at least he used to be)
I'll see if he'll transcribe it

[tommy_c12000]

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/03/03/2376848/all-you-need-to-know-about-arsenal-youngsters-ignasi-miquel

[AlaskaFox]

Graham Barrett.

[IsMiseSean]

Kinda of topic... But has Rhys Murphy declared for us? It says he has on wikipedia but I can't find a credible source anywhere.

[Irish_Praha]

Kinda of topic... But has Rhys Murphy declared for us? It says he has on wikipedia but I can't find a credible source anywhere.

Wikipedia is not reliable? :O

[TrapAPony]

That Rhys Murphy fella is now captain of the Arsenal reserve side, at least he was captain in their last reserve match v West Ham in which he scored.
http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3305484/reserves/west-ham-res-v-arsenal-res?tab=report

[gilberto_eire]

Who do Arsenal use on the left wing?...Nasri/Arshavin

I can't think of any natural wingers in the Walcott mould(Arshavin seems to be more of a central/striker)

[TrapAPony]

Can still switch back. Didn't play a competitive game with England.

Doesn't sound like he will play for England - Listen from 1:25 on in the Interview. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWE1UhAhAzw

[Stuttgart88]

Q: So it'll be Ireland all the way?

A: I think so, yeah

Come on man - be more definitive! There's a collective press in Ireland just waiting to make a big issue out of this, once they have the cop on to actually notice he exists.

[tetsujin1979]

mate of mine is a subscriber to Arsenal TV (or at least he used to be)
I'll see if he'll transcribe it
He got back to me, said he's no longer a subscriber. said to try arseblog.com someone there might do it

Q: So it'll be Ireland all the way?

A: I think so, yeah

Come on man - be more definitive! There's a collective press in Ireland just waiting to make a big issue out of this, once they have the cop on to actually notice he exists.
I have a terrible feeling he could be the next James McCarthy-esque "why hasn't he been called up?" stick the media use to beat Trapattoni with
The fact that he's 19 and has only had one appearance for his club will be marked as irrelevant, and the examples of Norwood and Evans playing for the North before making their senior debuts for the club sides will be cited.

[ofjames]

Jack Wilshere seems pretty sure Conor's sticking with Ireland... Also says he's a quality player.

http://mobile.twitter.com/jack_wilshere/status/33196774411866112

Going on Henderson's twitter he seems to spend a serious amount of time with Rhys Murphy.

Regarding the question on recent Irish players to appear for Arsenal. Cregg had two or three games in the Carling Cup, Stack also had several games in that competition over a few seasons. Stokes had one appearance but only as a last minute sub.

Barrett made 2 substitute league appearances and looked on the cusp of a major breakthrough but (repeated) injury intervened and it's been downhill ever since unfortunately. I reckon he had the necessary quality.

[tetsujin1979]

Going on Henderson's twitter he seems to spend a serious amount of time with Rhys Murphy.
I think I read somewhere (possibly twitter) that they're housemates

[tetsujin1979]

In case youtube take it down, here's the relevant part of the interview


Interviewer: You sound very English to me, but you've got an Irish name, and an Irish youth international. Just tell us the story there
Henderson: Both sets of grandparents are Irish, and I've chosen to play for them, so that's, that's where the Irish comes from
Interviewer: So it'll be Ireland all the way?
Henderson: I think so, yeah

[rebelmusic]

That's a lot of english born irish players in the youth ranks of arsenal. Surely Brady's influence?

Ben Glasgow
Born October 24, 1993
Position Defender (Right Back)

Another Hale Ender, Ben had a taste of Under-18 football last season when he played in an away fixture against Coventry City.

The right-back loves to fly forward, using the great pace that has also seen him represent Essex in various sprint events.

Born in London, Ben’s family heritage has seen him represent the Republic of Ireland internationally and he has played for their Under-16s too.


Sean McDermott
Born May 30, 1993
Position Goalkeeper

Although Norwegian-born, this promising keeper has represented the Republic of Ireland at youth level. A strong, steady goalkeeper with good reflexes and a fine presence between the posts, he made 12 appearances for Arsenal Under-18s last season.

He signed his first professional contract with the Club in June 2010.

James Shea
Born June 16, 1991
Position Goalkeeper

After excelling in the triumphant FA Youth Cup and Premier Academy League ‘double' winning-side of 2009, James played six times for the Reserves last term, signing a new contract with Arsenal in February.

Known for his superb shot-stopping ability, James also improved immeasurably in his kicking and handling last term and continued his good form with consistent performances when selected for the Reserves.

He was also included in the squad for the Gunners' first Carling Cup fixture of last season against West Bromwich Albion in September 2009.

Rhys Murphy
Born November 06, 1990
Position Striker

A clinical striker, Rhys has consistently proved his calibre in front of goal and scored a clutch of vital strikes for the Under-18s during their FA Youth Cup and Premier Academy League ‘double' winning season in 2009.

A loan spell at Brentford last term was curtailed by injury but he did make eight appearances for Neil Banfield's Reserve team

Philip Roberts
Born April 07, 1994
Position Striker

A centre forward who was recruited from Norwich's academy, Philip is an Irish youth international.

Powerful, pacy and a genuine threat in front of goal, Philip will be hoping to build on the excellent progress he has made with the Canaries Academy over recent years.

Taken on trial by the Gunners at the end of last season, he impressed Liam Brady and his team and was asked to make the move from Norfolk to North London.

Callum Webb
Born October 02, 1993
Position Midfielder

Another Londoner who represents Republic of Ireland internationally due to family heritage, Callum has come through the Hale End ranks to earn his scholarship.

A midfielder who uses his excellent passing skills when playing a holding role, he also has great energy and can play wide midfield if required.

Callum featured on four occasions for the Under-18s last season and will hope to add significantly to that tally in 2010/11.

Conor Henderson
Born September 08, 1991
Position Midfielder

A technically astute, ball-playing midfielder, Conor Henderson (http://www.arsenal.com/reserves-youth/players/conor-henderson) was impressive last season. After making his first Reserve-team start in the opening game of the campaign, Conor went on to make seven appearances for Neil Banfield's side.
He also continued to show his prowess in the Under-18s where his precision passing helped front men Benik Afobe (http://www.arsenal.com/reserves-youth/players/benik-afobe) and Luke Freeman (http://www.arsenal.com/reserves-youth/players/luke-freeman) achieve impressive goal tallies. In April 2010 he earned a place in the first-team squad for the trip to Wigan.

[TrapAPony]

Rhys Murphy
Born November 06, 1990
Position Striker

A clinical striker, Rhys has consistently proved his calibre in front of goal and scored a clutch of vital strikes for the Under-18s during their FA Youth Cup and Premier Academy League ‘double' winning season in 2009.

A loan spell at Brentford last term was curtailed by injury but he did make eight appearances for Neil Banfield's Reserve team



http://www.sportsfile.com/id/172685/

[The Fly]

http://www.sportsfile.com/id/172685/

Well...he certainly looks Irish.

[tommy_c12000]

Another resounding vote of confidence in Conor from Wenger today. Wenger really rates him:

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-henderson-will-be-first-team-player

[tetsujin1979]

With the injuries they have, will he be in the squad for the Sunderland game at the weekend?

[tommy_c12000]

With the injuries they have, will he be in the squad for the Sunderland game at the weekend?

No he is not in the squad. Ramsey back in it though.

http://www.premierleague.com/page/MatchPreviews/0,,12306~53072,00.html

[tommy_c12000]

Don't think he will start against United 2moro evening. Wenger has "vowed" to go with the strongest side available.
http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFACup/Match%20Centres%202010-11/SixthRound/Manchester-United-v-Arsenal/Match-Previews/Wenger

He should see some game time at some stage though fingers crossed. You'll find him at 25/1 for 1st goalscorer at Paddy Power, you never know. . . .