Leeds United Football Club News

• Nickname:The Whites
• Founded:1919
• Manager:Gary McAllister

• Ground:Elland Road
• Capacity:40,296

Woody key to Johnson loan

18 Oct 2006 - 09:19:30

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Middlesbrough starlet Adam Johnson has revealed former Leeds United star Jonathan Woodgate encouraged him to make a loan move to Elland Road.

The 19-year-old tricky left winger is struggling to secure a first-team place at the Riverside due to being in direct competition with England international Stewart Downing, so accepted the chance to play some regular football when Whites' caretaker boss John Carver made a move for him on Monday.

Johnson says Woodgate, who made his name as a top-class central defender with Leeds before moving on to Newcastle, Real Madrid and now his hometown side Boro on a season-long loan, persuaded him it would be a great career move.

He made his debut in Tuesday's disappointing 2-1 home defeat against Leicester, but revealed that he is looking forward to showing what he can do for the Championship strugglers.

He said: "I spoke to Woody and he wished me all the best.
"He told me it was a great club, to enjoy it and asked me to pass his best on to everyone at Elland Road."

He added: "I'm hoping to play a few games and I'm hoping to progress as a player.

"Stewart Downing is obviously in there at Boro and I am in between the reserves and the first team so this is an opportunity for me.

"I hope I can bring some excitement. I like to take people on and get crosses in."