Henry expected to lead by example

Thierry Henry has been backed to show how his temperament has mellowed by leading by example in Athens tonight as Arsenal return to face Panathinaikos.

Three years ago, Henry lost his cool amid his anger at perceived diving by the Greek side as the Gunners went down in their Champions League group tie 1-0.

He was fortunate to escape official punishment for berating his opponents after the final whistle, with Panathinaikos player Jan Michaelsen having described the striker’s conduct as “childish”.

However, Arsene Wenger believes Henry is now a different character, and has picked the Frenchman rather than Sol Campbell as captain for tonight’s game in the absence of Patrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp.

Wenger declared: “I agree Thierry over-reacted here three years ago but this is a good opportunity for him to show that he has matured a lot.

“The only answer for a player is to behave well and play well. I am conscious that he will really take his responsibilities very well.”