PETERBOROUGH

FA Cup third round, today, kick-off 2pm

BY GEORGINIO RUTTER has thanked boyhood idol Thierry Henry for helping to put a smile back on his face at Leeds.

French striker Rutter became Leeds’ clubrecord signing when he arrived from Hoffenheim in a £35.5million transfer a year ago.

He struggled initially, but has thrived under Daniel Farke this season.

And Rutter (above) earned a call-up to Henry’s France Under-21s squad for games against Austria and South Korea.

The 21-year-old said: “It was a bit strange – because it’s Thierry Henry, and I was a bit like a kid when I went there.

“Growing up, I watched him on TV – so I enjoyed the experience.

“It was good to come into the squad for the first time, so I have to do more on the pitch to be called up more.

“I have to play with a smile because if I don’t, it’s not me. When I was young, it was a dream to play in a big stadium like

Elland Road, so I enjoy it. I can’t play with a bad mood because if I didn’t feel good, it’s not me.

“For my team-mates, if they see a guy in a bad mood that doesn’t give confidence for the team, so I am happy.”

Rutter helped Leeds put successive away defeats behind them as they beat Birmingham 3-0 at home on New Year’s Day.

He added: “It was important for our confidence because beforehand it was a bit difficult for the team.

“I think everybody is happy. I certainly am, and ready for Peterborough now in the FA Cup.”

The Birmingham win saw Patrick Bamford score his first goal since April and Rutter was delighted to see him end his long drought.

He added: “I know it was difficult for him, when the confidence is down. I’m happy for him and everybody knows, this is the power from the team. This is why we are like this.”