Arsenal's Thierry Henry celebrates his goal against Leeds United
Thierry Henry scored 228 goals in 377 appearances for Arsenal REUTERS

Arsenal legend Martin Keown believes the club's young players will be inspired by Thierry Henry's return, in much the same way the Gunners' record goal scorer learned from Ian Wright when he first arrived at the club.

Henry, 34 - back on a two-month loan deal from New York Red Bulls - scored 10 minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute to give Arsenal a 1-0 victory in their FA Cup tie against Leeds United.

The striker showed his class to register his 227th goal in an Arsenal shirt, and former-Gunner Keown said the younger members of Arsene Wenger's squad could learn a lot from Henry's two-month sojourn in north London.

"It was surreal and a long way from his first few days at the club in 1999," Keown told the Daily Mail.

"Back then he spoke very little English and I remember sitting with him in the stands at a testimonial game pointing out Ian Wright's excellent movement.

"He was short of confidence after a tough spell in Italy at Juventus, but he watched that and learned from Wright, adopting those type of runs into his game because he knew it would help him succeed in the English game."

Henry celebrated his 78th-minute strike with an outpouring of emotion as he peeled away, pumping his chest in celebration before embracing Arsene Wenger on the touchline.

And the former France international described it as a moment that would live with him for the rest of his life.

"I never thought I'd play for Arsenal again, let alone score the winner," Henry said. "I love the club and I hope it won't be the last one. The feeling I had when I scored was amazing. I am enjoying the club as a fan."

And Keown pointed out that Henry's experience could prove invaluable to the next generation of Arsenal stars.

"Henry can help those around him. It was great to see him sitting next to Theo Walcott on the bench, talking to him about what was happening in the game, no doubt telling him how he could learn from each situation.

"It's especially great for the younger players like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jack Wilshere and Walcott. They can't fail to be inspired by him."

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