Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry re-joined Arsenal for a two-month loan spell from New York Red Bull. REUTERS

Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has praised the impact Paul Scholes has had throughout his career and revealed the Manchester United veteran was the one name that intimidated his 'Invincibles' side.

Henry's own return to the Emirates on a two-month loan was usurped by Scholes' unexpected decision to come out of retirement until the end of the season at the age of 37.

A calf injury kept Henry out of Sunday's 2-1 loss against United but the France international heralded Scholes' remarkable career at Old Trafford before the match.

"United always had many amazing players, but whenever we faced them we were always, always, always scared of what Paul Scholes could do," Henry told the official Arsenal Web site. "Ask anyone from that old Arsenal team, they will tell you the same.

"If you let him play, he can kill you, and for me he was so underrated. The way he plays: one touch, arriving late into the box, the way he strikes the ball, his vision, his passing. Incredible.

"I know people used to give him some stick for his tackling, but I liked that. He put his foot in, showed some character, had a go, but I liked that about him too. For me he is one of the best midfielders I have ever seen."

Meanwhile, Arsenal youngster Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain believes it is a dream come true to be training alongside childhood hero Henry.

The 18-year-old impressed against United on Sunday in his first ever Premier League start.

"It's been amazing for me," Oxlade-Chamberlain is quoted on talkSPORT. "He was my hero growing up and to now be training with him, it's a massive honour and just having him around the club, all of his experience and everything else that he brings with him. It's a massive boost for the whole club.

"He gives me advice and I'm sure he gives a lot of the other boys advice, he's a great person to have around."