Stylish and elegant central midfielder Conor Henderson is regarded by both club and country as an outstanding prospect for the future.
Conor is a tall, classy and confident pass-master, who can play all over the midfield with ease. He has a knack of arriving in the right place at the right time to finish chances, but it’s his creative elements which have bolstered his growing reputation.
He would play a key part in the Nike Cup side in 2006, with once more his pin-point and deadly passing being the focal point of the Gunners play. Reports circulated that Chelsea were now aware of his abilities and were ready to offer up to a £1 million to land his services, although nothing formal ever came from the speculation.
He then took the Under 16′s captaincy from Jack Wilshere but it wouldn’t be long before he joined Jack in the Under 18′s. The 2007-2008 term saw Conor sign scholarship forms and his debut season saw him feature on a handful of occasion’s and quickly earn plaudits from coach Steve Bould.
Looking to build on his bright start in Academy football, the 2008-2009 campaign promised to be Henderson’s best yet. He began well in the Under 18 league and after scoring once, Neil Banfield called him up for the Reserves clash with Portsmouth. However, the dream debut went horribly wrong when he came on in the final minutes and suffered a terrible knee injury. It ruled him out for the majority of the season.
Arsenal moved to reassure Conor by offering him professional terms – which he signed – and he returned in time to feature in the Premier Academy League final which Arsenal won. It was a perfect end to a nightmare season.
Ireland and England have both had the luxury of his services at youth level, but he firmly decided to switch his allegiance to the Republic in 2008. To date he is a Under 19 international having turned out in the four nations tournament in his native Ireland during 2008.
Name: Conor Henderson
Nickname: None
Age: 17
Nationality: English
International: Under 19′s)
Position: Central Midfield
Height: 183cm
Previous Clubs: None
Contract : Professional
