France striker Thierry Henry believes Scotland have nothing to fear as they bid to reach the next World Cup.

The Scots beat France twice in the qualifying race for Euro 2008 but narrowly missed out on the finals.

And Henry said: “I think Scotland fans can get excited about World Cup qualifying because I don’t see why you should be scared of any team.

“If you guys hadn’t lost in Georgia it would have been really difficult for us to qualify.”

Scotland finished two points behind France in the bid to reach this year’s European Championship and a further five points adrift of group winners Italy.

A goal from Gary Caldwell was enough to stun the French at Hampden, while a wonderful long-range strike from James McFadden in Paris secured a fantastic double.

Henry, who is in Scotland with Barcelona for pre-season, featured in the first of those matches and was impressed by what he saw.

“Scotland has a good squad,” he added. “I can tell you that because we lost twice to you guys.”

Scotland begin their 2010 World Cup campaign with a trip to Macedonia in September and will also face Iceland, Norway and Holland, who thrashed France 4-1 at Euro 2008.

Barcelona play friendlies with Hibernian and Dundee United this week and Henry expects to see more evidence of blossoming talent.

The Catalan club prepared for last season with a similar trip and on that occasion Henry’s eye was caught by Barry Robson.

The former Dundee United skipper has since moved on to Celtic and scored in Barcelona’s 3-2 Champions League triumph in Glasgow.

“We played against Dundee United and he had a good game,” said the former Arsenal hero. “He kept the ball well and was dangerous in attack, so I was not surprised when he got a move to Celtic.

“This time I’m sure I’m going to see some other players who I think are good.”

Barcelona, who are based in St Andrews, take on Hibs at Murrayfield on Thursday and travel to Tannadice on Saturday.

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Former Arsenal captain Thierry Henry has backed Gunners boss Arsene Wenger to construct a strong team this season, even if some faces will be unfamiliar.

Matthieu Flamini, Alexander Hleb and Gilberto Silva have left, while only Premier League newcomers Samir Nasri and Aaron Ramsey have been signed.

But Henry remains confident Wenger will be able to get a new-look side to gel.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Arsene always does it somehow. And hopefully they will win silverware next season.”

The Gunners will have to do it with considerably less experience in their squad.

Brazil midfielder Gilberto, 31, left for Panathinaikos, Hleb, 27, joined Barcelona and Flamini, 24, sealed a switch to AC Milan.

And so far this season, Wenger has only brought in 21-year-old winger Nasri from Marseille and Ramsey, 17, who played in the Championship last season with Cardiff.

But Henry pointed to Wenger’s knack of unearthing little-known players and making them stars - the French striker was himself transformed under his compatriot after a torrid time in Italy with Juventus.

Henry added: “I don’t know how Arsene does it when he brings in some players who make people think ‘I don’t know if they are going to be ok’.

“People wonder if Arsenal are going to do anything.

“But suddenly, like last year, everyone starts raving about how Arsenal are playing and what a great team they are.

“Unfortunately for them they were really close but did not win anything last season.

“Hopefully this time they can bring some silverware back to the Emirates.”

Wenger has stated that he will definitely make one more signing in the close season.

And it could be that he will need to buy a striker to replace Emmanuel Adebayor, who still refuses to commit his future to the club amid speculation he will join AC Milan or Barcelona.

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Plymouth Argyle have cancelled the contract of goalkeeper Luke McCormick by mutual consent.

The 24-year-old is on bail after being charged with causing death by dangerous driving and driving with excess alcohol in his blood.

The charges relate to a car accident on the M6 in June in which two young boys were killed.

McCormick was suspended by the Championship club earlier this month ahead of their pre-season training.

A statement on the club’s website read: “Plymouth Argyle have today cancelled the contract of goalkeeper Luke McCormick by mutual consent.

“The club will be making no further comment on the matter.”

McCormick will next appear in court on 8 September.

Brothers Arron and Ben Peak, aged 10 and eight, from Manchester, were killed in a collision on the M6.

The brothers and their father Philip, 37, were in a Toyota Previa with friends.

Their car was involved in a collision on the southbound carriageway of the motorway in Staffordshire between junctions 15 and 16, near Keele services.

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