NEWCASTLE'S Andy O'Brien insists centre-back partner Jonathan Woodgate has shown he is the man to handle Thierry Henry at Euro 2004.

Woodgate was commanding and composed against the threat of Henry and Spanish superkid Jose Antonio Reyes as the Magpies held unbeaten Premiership leaders Arsenal in Sunday's goalless draw at St. James' Park.

Former Leeds defender Woodgate made his England comeback at the end of last month when he picked up his fifth cap in the friendly defeat in Sweden after a near-18-month exile.

And the 24-year-old Teessider, who has battled back from a string of injuries, underscored his claims to partner Arsenal's Sol Campbell at the heart of the England rearguard this summer, with another assured display against the Gunners.

With Rio Ferdinand banned and Middlesbrough skipper Gareth Southgate out for the rest of the domestic season because of knee ligament trouble, Woodgate is now in what looks like a straight fight with Chelsea's John Terry to play alongside Campbell.

England face reigning European champions France in a Group B opener in Lisbon on June 13, when Woodgate could find himself in a rematch with the incomparable Henry.

Before then, Woodgate will be bidding to cement his place by helping Newcastle to clinch fourth spot in the Premiership and a return to the Champions League.

And Republic of Ireland international O'Brien said: "I'm sure he's going to concentrate on doing well for Newcastle, but he has to be eyeing his chance with England now as well.

"John Terry may have the edge over him due to playing more games with Jonathan being injured.

"But Jonathan is a very good player and he showed that against Arsenal. It's fair to say Jonathan was probably already above Gareth Southgate in the pecking order. He's playing at a high level and doing very well and it's a pleasure playing with him.''

O'Brien was preferred to Titus Bramble against Arsenal after a hamstring injury lay-off.

The Gunners are still undefeated after 32 top-flight games this season, but O'Brien said: "We were very happy with the way we handled Henry and Reyes. Arsenal are a formidable team all round - the best in the league.

"I'm sure they'll be delighted with the draw to keep their unbeaten run going, but we're very proud to take a point off them because not many teams have done that this season.

"I was a bit surprised to be playing because I'd only had four days' training, but I was delighted to get the chance to face Arsenal because you always want to play against the big teams.

"I'd been out for three weeks, but I'm glad everything went all right and we kept a clean sheet.

"If there was any game to come back into, it was that one. It was a good test for my hamstring and thankfully I came through.''

Newcastle now host PSV Eindhoven tomorrow night in the return leg of their UEFA Cup quarter-final after last week's 1-1 draw in Holland.

O'Brien said: "We know if we keep a clean sheet we're through on the away goal. It sounds simple going into the game, but when emotions are running high anything can happen.

"If they get a goal, we'll need another one, but we just have to concentrate on what we're doing.

"It was a great result there. They have some very good players and they are not to be underestimated.''

Meanwhile, Sir Bobby Robson has saluted left-back Olivier Bernard, who caught the eye against Arsenal under the gaze of a representation from France.

Fellow countryman Laurent Robert may have spurned his big chance to impress ahead of Euro 2004, but Bernard looked the part.

Newcastle boss Robson said: "He's a strong, competitive player, left-sided - which we like - and he's defending much better now.

"He's got what I like in full-backs, he's got a wriggle, he's got a twist and good movement going forward.

"He's also a good header of the ball - he's not the biggest, but he's got a good leap."

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