'I'm a big Arsenal fan' - Out-of-contract Championship star reacts to Thierry Henry comparison

Powerful QPR striker Sinclair Armstrong has admitted he is a 'big Arsenal fan' after having a goal scored earlier this year compared to none other than Gunners legend Thierry Henry.

The Republic of Ireland international is just 20 years old and has enjoyed a breakthrough couple of seasons at Loftus Road. His showings since Marti Cifuentes arrived at the helm have turned heads thanks to his pace and strength.

Armstrong has three goals and an assist since the start of the year. While those stats may not be as prolific as other forwards, he has been used sparingly by Cifuentes and it is the manner of his performances that have earned plaudits.

One of those goals came in an FA Cup fixture against Premier League outfit Bournemouth. QPR lost that match 3-2 but Armstrong's goal saw him bolt down the left wing, past the defender before cutting in and slotting the ball past the keeper in a move that had a feel of Thierry Henry about it.

Reacting to the strike, Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson said: "It's Armstrong who scored, whose an absolute handful, he's got pace, strength and he gets down the left-hand side with Senesi running on him and he just does an Henry on him.

"Just goes past him and then comes back on his right and bends it in the far corner by the keeper. It's a real, real good finish, he's a real handful. He's a bit hit and miss every now and then."

Reacting to the punditry, Armstrong told Irish outlet Balls.ie: "I think it's a goal I'll never forget, that goal shows what I'm about. Getting the ball in the channel and obviously get the 1v1 against the defender.

"As I said before ten times out of ten I feel like I can skin him. I don't know who sent it to me but I found it on Twitter that Paul Merson said I think something along the lines of 'He's just done a Henry on him'. I'm a big Arsenal fan so hearing that was unbelievable."

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The Shamrock Rovers graduate joined QPR in 2020 and signed a contract extension with the club in 2022, keeping him at Loftus Road until this summer. It was reported that the striker had been offered a new five-year contract by the club last October, amid transfer links with Manchester City and Crystal Palace.

However, the club is yet to confirm whether a new agreement has been reached with Armstrong, which suggests he could still be available on a free transfer this summer. Last week, former Watford and Championship star Troy Deeney sang Armstrong's praises and predicted a summer move away from QPR.