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Henry, who has failed to score in ten of his last 11 international starts, but boasts a Premiership record of seven strikes in eight games this season, admitted that: "The group is wide open.
"But Ireland are the best team I have seen so far and they showed they have quality. You have some teams playing better away from home and some teams playing better at home.
"So many strange things happen in football," continued the 27-year-old FIFA World Player of the year nominee. "Look at us (Arsenal) in the Champions League last season. Everyone said to us that after one point from three games we were out, yet we finished top of the group. I know this is a different thing, but things happen in football that you can never predict.
"That’s why we all like football because if it was always the same, it would be boring. Ireland will probably think they can win the group, but everyone can think that, like Israel after they also drew in France. Maybe when Ireland drew in Switzerland they felt the same then. It’s a pretty tight group and we will see, but Ireland are a very good team."
It has been rumoured that Henry may be dropped tonight - French boss Raymond Domenech has this to say in the aftermath of their 0-0 draw against the Irish on Satuday: "Thierry is going through a bad spell. Perhaps he has some problems in his head.
"Thierry is not indispensable and he has not been performing so I may have to look at that."
Henry and Premiership champions Arsenal entertain eighth-placed Aston Villa on Saturday, before travelling to Greece for their UEFA Champions League Group E clash against Panathinaikos on Wednesday evening.
(*Photo courtesy of AFP)