Released by the Gunners last summer following just one first-team appearance in an FA Cup tie, the former Ireland U21 midfielder had a move to Ipswich Town lined up.

However, Mick McCarthy reversed his decision to sign the player, leaving him at a loose end with the season about the start. There was interest expressed by Yeovil Town but, out of nowhere, came an approach from Steve Bruce.

“Arsenal were very good to me when I was without a club, letting me train with them, and it was Steve Bould who spoke to Hull about me,” he explained.

“From there, I played some reserve games on trial, spoke to Steve Bruce about signing and I’ve agreed an initial deal until the end of the season.”

The 22-year-old made his Tigers debut in the League Cup last week and is part of the squad for today’s fixture against Aston Villa.

Bruce has labelled his find as a “late starter”, an unsurprising description given the two serious knee injuries which stunted his progress at the Emirates.

Henderson’s capture swells the Irish contingent at the KC Stadium to five, with the newcomer hoping to emulate the impact made by his former international team-mate and Hull’s top scorer Robbie Brady.

“One of the reasons I wanted to come here was the opportunity Robbie got,” he said. “He stepped down from one of the big clubs [Manchester United] and has taken the chance given to him.

“Because I didn’t have a proper pre-season, I need more action to be fully match fit. But once that happens, I want to be challenging for a spot in midfield every week.”

After a torrid few months of uncertainty, Henderson is glad to have regained a degree of stability.

“I had spoken to Mick McCarthy towards the end of last season and had my heart set on signing for Ipswich. Then, in July, he changed his mind.

“But I’ve come to a good club in Hull. Steve Bruce has said I’ll be given a fair chance and that’s all I want.”