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.
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
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 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 and Luke Freeman achieve impressive goal tallies. In April 2010 he earned a place in the first-team squad for the trip to Wigan.
"We lost because we didn't win"- Ronaldo
Another resounding vote of confidence in Conor from Wenger today. Wenger really rates him:
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-arc...st-team-player
No he is not in the squad. Ramsey back in it though.
http://www.premierleague.com/page/Ma...~53072,00.html
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/FAComp...reviews/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. . . .
Arsenal have only one fit senior keeper now. Might mean Shea (most likely)or McDermott on the bench, though I think I read that Wenger is looking for an emergency replacement.
Just a video I found on YouTube highlighting Henderson's (No.9) performance v Portugal U21 recently. Adam Barton is No.7.
"We lost because we didn't win"- Ronaldo
http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/s...op-150650.htmlYOUNG Gunner Conor Henderson is fully committed to carving out an international senior career with the Republic of Ireland.
The highly rated London-born midfielder has already played for the Irish U18s and U19s and last month stepped up another level to make his debut for Noel King’s U21 side in a friendly defeat away to Portugal.
In theory, the Arsenal midfielder — who made his senior debut for the club in the FA Cup against Leyton Orient this season — could still switch allegiance to his native England but Henderson insists that there is no going back now on his commitment to the green shirt.
"I’ve made my decision and I’ve chosen to represent the Republic of Ireland at senior level," he says.
"I didn’t just one day decide, it was something I have thought about for a while. I wanted what was best for me and Ireland so this is what I decided.
"My mum’s side is from the south of Ireland and my dad’s side is from the north so that’s how I qualify. All my uncles and aunties live over there and they were all really happy about the decision. It was great to have their support and I’m sure they’ll be celebrating if and when I make my full debut.
"Obviously growing up in London I have followed both England and Ireland’s results but Ireland have always been who I have supported. I’ve always looked up to people like Robbie Keane, who is so technically gifted, and then there’s Aiden McGeady, who is good on the ball too. There’s Darron Gibson now doing well at Manchester United as well.
"But if there’s one player who I want to emulate it’s Liam Brady. He had such a great left foot and was such a wonderful player who is one of Ireland’s best ever. Working under him at Arsenal has been a privilege for me. He spoke to me about playing for Ireland when I represented them at youth level but he left me to my own decision at senior level.
"Possibly the Ireland team is ready for a new generation of young players to try and establish themselves in the senior set up. I’m hoping to make that step up quite soon but I just have to keep playing well for my club and hopefully that will get me there.
"I haven’t had any contact with people from the seniors yet, just the management, staff and players with the U21s."
"We lost because we didn't win"- Ronaldo
great to read such strong words of commitment to the cause from an English born Irishman. Maith an fear.
I like high energy football. A little bit rock and roll. Many finishes instead of waiting for the perfect one.
Thats the job. Not surprising that Liam Brady is his icon considering the club he is at. An exciting prospect. Potentially an Irish player in the Arsenal senior XI. Now thats an achievement in itself.
"I haven't had any contact from the people from the seniors yet".
There must be a good "Arsenal starlet set to defect to England or Northern Ireland" story in there somewhere. I must email RTE.
Doesn't look too good (ignore the Wilshere bit):
Any indication how serious it is otherwise? Looked in quite a bit of pain. What a curse.
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