The new local hero has committed himself to his hometown club until 2011.

Johnny Howson was already on a lengthy contract at Elland Road, but now he is a first team player he has been rewarded with a new, improved contract. His new deal will keep him at the club until 2011, although there is a provision to automatically extend that a further 12 months if the club win promotion to the Championship.

Gary McAllister told the official website "We're all delighted. He's a player who has come through the Academy and is a local lad which is a big plus. He has a lot of potential and a lot of ammunition to develop his game and I'm pleased I've got the opportunity to help his development."

Leeds fans will be delighted at the news, especially as it was suggested a few weeks ago that Spurs were hoping to make him the latest Leeds youngster to be poached by the White Hart Lane club. Our former assistant Gus Poyet will obviously know which of our youngsters are worth signing, but Leeds are no longer in a position to have to flog our best youngsters to make ends meet, and Howson obviously feels that Leeds will be moving back up the divisions as he approaches the peak of his career.

Howson looked a bit lightweight when he first broke into the first team 18 months ago and was struggling at the start of last season, but he is fast becoming a key member of the side as he matures. The culmination of his season were the two goals at Carlisle in the play-offs that took up to Wembley, and we can expect a lot more from him in the years to come.

Photo: Action Images

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