More to come from Henry, says Wenger

ARSENE WENGER says he has been surprised by Thierry Henry’s progression from raw talent to FIFA World Footballer of the Year nominee – but he is now backing the French striker to get even better.

Arsenal boss Wenger shelled out €15 million to pluck the then 22-year-old from Juventus in 1999, in the belief that Henry was a rough diamond in need of polishing.

Wenger provided that polish and transformed Henry into the man who led the 5-1 destruction of Inter Milan at San Siro this week prompting fresh speculation linking him to Real Madrid.

The manager, whose Premiership table-toppers take on Fulham at Highbury tomorrow said: "It's something we won't even consider.

"Arsenal are at the stage where the club can be huge. We want to keep our best players and build a new stadium to fight with everyone in the world.

"When I signed Thierry, I saw something special in him but no one could have predicted he would become the player he is today.

"He's an outstanding candidate for World Footballer of the Year and a deep lover of the game.

"Thierry is Thierry. He's a complete athlete and a complete player and no one is surprised he did what he did on Tuesday. He's very focused on football and there's more in the tank for him. For example, his heading can improve," said Wenger.

Arsenal's heroics in Milan sent a wave of euphoria across the red half of the north London an emotion the Gunners are keen to ride through tomorrow's clash with Chris Coleman's fifth-placed side.

Victory against the Cottagers would guarantee an improved lead over Chelsea or Manchester United as Arsenal's title rivals play each other at Stamford Bridge later tomorrow.

"If you want to be champions, you have to be very consistent at home," Wenger said. "We have good momentum and must not lose it by being distracted by Tuesday night. It's a London derby against a team who can get results away from home.

"Fulham are good coming out from the back so we need all our weapons for the game. It's a vital one for us.

"Manchester United are there and Chelsea are there as well. It will be very difficult but may be my players are frustrated by not winning the title last year and now have the hunger to go for it again," he said.

Fulham boss Coleman believes that his side will not be intimidated by Arsenal thanks to their heroics in the match at Old Trafford last month.

"The win at Old Trafford has helped my players psychologically now we know we're capable of going to Arsenal and getting a result. It's not going to be easy because they are a quality team but we can win there," he said.

"I didn't watch Arsenal on Tuesday night there's nothing about them I don't already know. They are a quality team and capable of doing that against anyone. If we go there and have an off-day then they could put four or five past us," he said.

"Arsenal playing a tough game against Inter Milan although they made it look easy could have worked in our favour. Now it will work against us because they will be flying after that result. Either way it's going to be hard," said Coleman.