Leeds bidding to keep Henry off scoresheet

Leeds manager Peter Reid and skipper Dominic Matteo will tomorrow bid to stop a player they both regard as one of the greats.

Leeds manager Peter Reid and skipper Dominic Matteo will tomorrow bid to stop a player they both regard as one of the greats.

Arsenal star Thierry Henry this week earned rightful plaudits from fellow pros and journalists alike in being awarded the Professional Footballers' Association Players' Player of the Year award and the Football Writers' Association honour.

His 36 goals for club and country over the last nine months helped him pick up both accolades, beating the likes of Ruud van Nistelrooy, Alan Shearer, James Beattie, Paul Scholes and Gianfranco Zola.

Henry, though, would gladly swap such personal glory for team triumph with Arsenal this month for their pursuit of the Premier League title has faltered in recent weeks.

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Boss Arsene Wenger's side can still retain their crown, despite leaders Manchester United's 4-1 victory over Charlton at Old Trafford today, stretching their lead at the top to eight points.

Henry will certainly be determined to close the gap, and add to his goals tally, as both a respectful Reid and Matteo are aware.

"Great player. Outstanding footballer," began Reid of his assessment of Henry, who scored two goals in France's 5-0 friendly win over Egypt in midweek.

"Alan Shearer's had a great season, but Henry tips the scales for me. I wouldn't argue against his player of the year award. I know if I was a player I would have voted for him.

"When you play against the Arsenal you can go through the side and it's filled with absolutely fantastic footballers, but there's none better than Henry.

"He's so exciting, a player that when you are attacking and in possession, you still worry about him because he is that good."

Reid could opt for a five-man backline against Henry and the Gunners, with central defender Lucas Radebe fit again after missing the last three matches with his on-going knee problems.

Much could depend on Eirik Bakke, who is struggling with an ankle injury, and if the Norway international is out, it could lead to defender Matteo helping to shore up the midfield.

Whatever position Matteo plays, he knows at some stage he will be coming up against Henry, a player he voted for in the PFA awards, believing he is a worthy winner.

"We had to cast our votes in early February, which was when Henry was definitely the form player in the Premiership," added Matteo.

"Van Nistelrooy, who was PFA Player of the Year in 2000-01, has been in superb form recently, but I think over the full season, Henry has been the most consistent."