By Dan Harrison

Three of Villa's hottest prospects have been told what a positive impact their involvement in the European U19 Championships could have on their careers - by legendary striker Thierry Henry.

Nathan Delfouneso, Nathan Baker and Andreas Weimann are all gunning for glory at the finals in France, which get underway this weekend.

The competition brings back fond memories for former Arsenal and Barcelona striker Henry, who was in the victorious French side last time they hosted it.

Back in 1996, Henry scored the winning goal against Spain in the final of the European U18 Championship, as it was then.

From there he matured into one of the greatest forwards of his generation, winning the World Cup, European Championship and a host of club honours, as well as becoming one of the finest players ever to grace the Barclays Premier League.

This year's U19 finals get underway on Sunday, with an England side featuring Delfouneso and Baker ready to take on Weimann's Austria in Flers.

Both nations were drawn in Group A of the eight-team tournament, alongside France and Netherlands.

It promises to be a fiercely-contested event, with Spain, Italy, Portugal and Croatia competing in Group B.

The Villa trio will get a feel for the unique atmosphere, pressure and attention that come with playing at a big tournament, according to Henry.

"It was the best competition you could take part in for a player our age," said the Frenchman, who signed for MLS side New York Red Bulls this week.

"We played to qualify for the (FIFA U20) World Cup and to be European champions.

"You're playing in France, your family is in the stands, people want to talk to you, and on top of that you go and win the thing.

"The whole atmosphere changes all of a sudden; it was extraordinary for me.

"It's the highest level you can compete at when you are 18 or 19.

"There's nothing better. You are representing your country and your club. To win it, even to participate, is something extraordinary. It is a great platform for the future."

Henry's wise words will be music to the ears of Delfouneso, who finished as top scorer in last year's championships.

He is a long-time fan of the Gallic genius - and even chose to emulate his idol by picking number 14 as his Premier League squad number.

An eight-page article on Delfouneso in French magazine Onze last year also described the 19-year-old as having "many things in common" with Henry.

"Henry is a player I've always admired," said Delfouneso. "He was one of my idols when I was younger and I really like his style.

"I always enjoyed watching him because he's been one of the best players in the world over the past few years.

"When I was given a squad number and I learned number 14 was available, that's the one I wanted because it's the one Henry wears. I would love to live up to it."