AROUND THE GROUNDS: Home Grown

NAME

James Milner

CLUB

Leeds United

AGE

Born 4th January 1986

HOMETOWN

Leeds

POSITION

Midfield

SQUAD NUMBER

38

SIGNED FOR CLUB

3rd August 2003

HEIGHT

174cm

DEBUT

James Milner made his full debut as a substitute against West Ham in November 2002 to become the second-youngest player to ever appear in the Premiership. He is also the second youngest person to have played for the Yorkshire club, after Leeds legend Peter Lorimer who made his full debut at the tender age of 15 years, 289 days.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

In December 2002 James scored the winner against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. As he was 16 years and 357 days old at the time, he both secured the win and broke Wayne Rooney's record to become the youngest ever Premiership scorer by four days.

Milner, playing left wing, has recently starred for the England under-20's in a 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic. He also represented his country in an under-17 international tournament in the summer of 2002 and received glowing praise for his performances.

Because of his age the manager, Peter Reid, has said that he will only be used as a 'super-sub' until he is physically ready to compete in the Premiership. But because of his impressive start he is already being tipped for great things for the club.