Leeds play-off hero Jonny Howson only just made the grade at Elland Road, according to Carlisle assistant manager Greg Abbott.Howson's double at Carlisle fired Leeds through to next weekend's Wembley play-off final against Doncaster, but Abbott, a former youth-team coach at Elland Road, revealed the teenager was almost allowed to leave.

Abbott, 44, said: "Jonny was a player that Leeds wanted to release.

"The jury was out on him and there was doubt over whether or not to put him on a scholarship. They were saying he was too small, that he couldn't do this and couldn't do that, and there was serious talk about letting him go.

"I said no way to that because I could see the lad had talent. He was a player with genuine ability and all he needed was time to develop his strength and improve his physique.

"Howson's scored two goals against us and I sort of think that's down partly to my bloody good work. Good luck to him because he's done fantastically well."

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