Blackburn Rovers v Leeds United - Peter White's big match preview

A FEW months ago, it would have been a case of Jonathan Who? Now, Leeds United's 18-year-old central defender Jonathan Woodgate is so well known he finds himself experiencing both the fame and the notoriety of being in the Premiership spotlight.

Woodgate is already being touted as a future England international by his club manager David O'Leary.

But he has also run into trouble; two bookable offences in United's goalless struggle against non-League Rushden and Diamonds last Saturday bringing the shame of a red card for the inexperienced youngster.

That apart, Woodgate, in many ways, represents the youthful revolution being followed by O'Leary since he took over at Leeds.

And the fruits of the policy should be evident at Ewood tomorrow, as Woodgate is in line for a possible confrontation with Blackburn Rovers' new £4.5 million striker Ashley Ward.

It might be said that, following the loss of players like Robert Molenaar, Gary Kelly, Lucas Radebe, Martin Hiden and David Batty through injury, O'Leary has had little choice than to rely on the young guns.

Yet Woodgate and Co have visibly responded to the increased responsibilities.

Harry Kewell (20), Ian Harte (21), Alan Maybury (20), Alan Smith (18) and Stephen McPhail (19) are other names who have emerged from the Elland Road junior ranks during a spell when the club has enjoyed FA Youth Cup success.

A big, strong central defender, Woodgate has answered O'Leary's call so well this season that he was able to cope with the much-vaunted Newcastle strike force of Alan Shearer and Duncan Ferguson in a 3-0 Leeds win.

And greater things are beckoning at a time when other youngsters are being given a chance at international level. Woodgate's attitude, however, remains as level-headed as his performances have been consistent since breaking into the senior side at Leeds.

"There are quite a lot of central defenders coming through for England at the moment," he said.

"Rio (Ferdinand) is already in the squad and is a class act. Then there's Wes Brown, Matty Upson, Gareth Barry and myself who will be hoping to push him for his England place before too long.

"But England is at the back of my mind at the moment. I want to concentrate on playing well for Leeds and keeping my place in the team.

"I know I have to give my best in every match or I'll lose my place."

Having started young himself, O'Leary is not afraid to put his faith in youth.

"I thought that if I ever had the chance at management then I would also give home-grown talent a chance, particularly the youngsters," said the manager.

"I was 17 when I made my debut. It was 42 games a season then and I played 40 of them, all before my 18th birthday."

If Woodgate turns out to be half the player O'Leary was, then Leeds have a gem on their hands and the youngster could prove some barrier at Ewood tomorrow.

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