LUFC England coach praises Leeds captain

England under 21 coach Stuart Pearce praised the mentality of Leeds United captain Jonny Howson after working with the player last season.

Pearce handed Howson his first under 21 cap in the England friendly in Italy back in February after the midfielder had played a pivotal part in Leeds climb into the play off places.

The former defender has been in Leeds with the England under 21 squad this week, as they prepare for two Euro 2013 qualifiers against Iceland and Norway in the next week by training at Leeds Thorp Arch training ground.

Speaking on Yorkshire Radio, Pearce said, "Mentally he`s above his age, there is no doubt about that. I can quite understand whey he has just been given the opportunity to captain Leeds United. It is a big club and to bestow that honour on a young player, but I think once you meet the player you realise how mature he is as an individual and obviously he has been central to most things that Leeds have done that have been good over recent years."

Howson is now the clubs longest serving player having come through the academy and making his first team debut at the age of 18.

He has now made over 200 first team appearances for the club and holds the record as the youngest ever Leeds captain when he was given the honour against Millwall in April 2008 at the age of 19.

Despite only being installed as the official club captain this season after the release of Richard Naylor in the summer, Howson was the regular captain last season, wearing the armband on 37 occasions.





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