"And I am also in awe of what they are doing with their youngsters. It is a shame they are not English youngsters but you can only but respect the way he is nurturing players there and the way any combination can gel. It's terrific.
"You look at the Carling Cup final team and that's the development I'm looking at. There are English youngsters like Theo Walcott obviously and Justin Hoyte but their overall policy seems to be extracting the best from throughout Europe.
"I often think about their players and if you are training with Thierry Henry every day then it won't half make you a great defender if you are having to face him in five-a-sides.
"Just being there rubbing shoulders with the best, that's the benefit. It's an education even if you fail."