LONDON - Arsenal captain Thierry Henry believes Robin van Persie can become one of the best players in the Premiership.

LONDON - Arsenal captain Thierry Henry believes Robin van Persie can become one of the best players in the Premiership.

Henry returned from a five-week lay-off to inspire the Gunners to a 4-0 win over Charlton, but afterwards he was keen to praise two-goal Van Persie.

"He's shown ever since he arrived here that he is a scorer of great goals.

"He has the ability to be one of the best players in the league. He has matured a lot and he does stuff in training that I have rarely seen."

Henry scored the opener against Charlton from the spot before setting up Justin Hoyte for the second.

Souleymane Diawara's foul on the French striker allowed Van Persie to score the third from the spot before the Dutchman completed the win with a deft chip.

"I'm convinced you will see a great Thierry Henry from now until the end of May," said Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, revealing that Henry had stepped aside to let Van Persie take the second penalty.

"Van Persie has grown in confidence and presence and had a very sharp game tonight," said Wenger.

"He is on the list of penalty-takers and only the captain can decide if someone else is to take it. Thierry is number one, Robin is number three and Thierry gave it to him."

Wenger was delighted to see his captain return and believes he can lift Arsenal in the second half of the season. "He's in a good frame of mind now," he said. - BBC