No emotion as Leeds old boy Howson returns to Elland Road

FORMER LEEDS UNITED captain Jonny Howson has vowed to put emotion to one side ahead of his first return to Elland Road.
Jonny HowsonJonny Howson
Jonny Howson

The Norwich City midfielder, transferred to the Canaries in January 2012, admits this evening will be represent a special moment for him, but is determined to keep his professional focus.

Howson said: “This will only be the second time I have been back since I left and before that was to go and watch my mate in a cup final.

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“But under the circumstances and what we have to play for, it is about going there and getting three points.

“It will be nice to go back, but at the same time it is not a case of me personally going to enjoy it.

“I will be professional and do what I have to do for the team.”

Morley-born Howson was another product of United’s famed Academy and his sale by then chairman Ken Bates provoked outrage among Whites fans.

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“Being a former player, I always look out for them and of late they have had a lot of young lads come through who have done exceptionally well.”

He added: “I was the second one to come after Bradley (Johnson) and then Snods (Robert Snodgrass) and Luc (Becchio) followed.

“I have still have mates who are Leeds fans and they have given me stick and asked me which player we were taking next!”

While Howson is set to line up in midfield, the in-form Johnson is suspended.

Howson added: “I’m sure it is a sore one for him. For him (not) to go back to one of his old clubs it must be a kick in the teeth.”