Reyes can follow in my footsteps, says Henry

THIERRY HENRY has urged new Arsenal team-mate Jose Reyes to take heart from his own perseverance in achieving success in English football despite initial problems adapting to the Premiership.

Henry has just reached the milestone of 100 Premiership goals and has leading captain Patrick Vieira rating him as the "best in the world".

However, his first 13 appearances for Arsenal produced just one goal and Vieira noted how the Arsenal players used to "take the mickey" out of him for missing so many chances.

Reyes, who is just 20, has similarly taken time to find his feet amid the physical surroundings of the Premiership, scoring an own goal at Middlesbrough and struggling to make an impact against Southampton in midweek.

Arsene Wenger has nevertheless insisted it will take the winger several months to adapt properly.

"I feel he has shown some good signs but there is a lot of work to do. There is an adaptation period that will be needed but I'm still confident that he will do well," the Arsenal boss maintained."

"Can Thierry Henry help him? If there is quality around you, it always makes you better."

Henry is certainly determined to do all he can to relieve the pressure around Reyes, who is set to become Arsenal's record signing when he achieves certain milestones in his career.

Recalling his own first league goal against Southampton in September 1999, the Frenchman admitted: "It was a big relief as obviously I was waiting for it and so was everyone else. The most difficult thing is to start and then you get confidence and can carry on like that. It's always difficult to get the first one."

"Jose could have scored two against Southampton and didn't. He could have scored against Manchester City as well but didn't. You just have to keep on going and come back even stronger."

Reyes' immediate problem is that with Sylvain Wiltord and Jeremie Aliadiere injured, while Dennis Bergkamp is doubtful for Sunday's FA Cup tie against Chelsea and Kanu is not back from the African Nations' Cup, the pressure remains high for instant results.

Steve McManaman nevertheless believes he will overcome his initial teething problems.

"He is a young lad so straightaway that is hard for him. He has all his family with him at the moment but sooner or later they will have to leave. It will get lonely for him," he said.

"It is certainly different from Seville and he has to learn the language but he is a wonderful player and was playing for Spain at 20, so that speaks volumes."

Spain coach Inaki Saez has left Reyes out of the squad to play Peru next week in order to help the 20-year-old forward settle in at Highbury.