ARSENAL, Henderson: "Loan move would be good for me"

© foto di Giuseppe Celeste/Image Sport

Conor Henderson is eager to prove his fitness for Arsenal Under-21s over the coming weeks - with the prospect of a loan move on the agenda.

The midfielder endured a difficult 2011/12 campaign, missing eight months with a cruciate knee ligament injury before sustaining another minor knee problem soon after his comeback.

But the 20-year-old enjoyed a fruitful pre-season and scored twice for the under-21s in their 3-1 victory over Bolton at Emirates Stadium on Monday night.

“It was frustrating last year because obviously I got injured in pre-season with the first team, and that took eight months to come back from,” Henderson told Arsenal.com.

“Then I returned and played a few times for the reserves, before tweaking my cartilage in training and that ruled me out for the rest of the season.

“I only started playing again this pre-season. I had a few Arsenal XI games, and now I feel like I am getting back to full fitness.”

Henderson worked tirelessly throughout the summer to consign his injury problems to the past, and he is optimistic about what the new season may hold for him.

“I had a few weeks off, but I was basically in throughout the summer making sure my knee was right and I was on schedule for my comeback,” he said. “I knew as soon as I came back for pre-season that I didn't want to rush things.

“It is important for me to get games this season. I think the plan for me now is to go out on loan, get some first-team experience and see where I go from there.

“A few clubs are asking about me but I think they want to see I am match fit before they take me, so hopefully I can have a few more games for the under-21s and do that.”