In-form Bournemouth hitman Callum Wilson has revealed that being given the nod of approval by legendary Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has spiked his confidence.
The 23-year-old has emerged as one of the stories of the new Premier League season after netting four times for the newly-promoted Cherries - including a hat-trick in the 4-3 win away to West Ham United last month.
Sky Sports pundit Henry - who scored 228 times for the Gunners - praised Wilson over that performance, and the young striker admits that acknowledgement from his boyhood hero is one of the perks of his talismanic form.
"Day-to-day life at the club doesn't feel too different this year. When you're doing well, no matter what league you're in, you get a lot of attention," he is quoted as saying by The Mirror. "Some moments do stand out though, like seeing Thierry Henry talk about me on Monday Night Football. He was my footballing idol growing up so things like that definitely give you confidence.
"We've had a sports psychologist come in recently and I spoke to him about my penalty taking. He also did some breathing techniques with me to help get any feelings of doubt out of my body.
"Some of the lads don't buy into that way of working, but on a one-to-one level I think it's superb. I don't think people realise just how big the psychological side of football is."
Eddie Howe's side face fellow top-flight new boys Norwich City at Carrow Road on Saturday.
Shane Callaghan
