Jonny, 19, is a former pupil of Bruntcliffe High School in Morley, where staff were today thrilled at his success.

Headteacher Lynda Johnson said: "We are absolutely thrilled – so proud of him."

She remembers Jonny as a "thoroughly nice lad" who excelled at both sport and his schoolwork.

"He was an outstanding student, a very bright boy and a real team player," she said.
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"He was in every team we had. We have obviously followed his career and were delighted to see how he developed his skills.

"He never wasted any opportunity, he grasped it with both hands. And he always made up his work if he took time off because of football.

"He was a thoroughly nice lad and obviously very talented even when he was much younger.

"He was a good all rounder, though – his old German teacher remembers him being very good at that, too.

"It is just fantastic to see a young man with so many lovely personality traits do so well."

Smiles

Lynda said virtually every staff member had watched last night's game and cheered when Jonny slotted home the second goal – securing Leeds's place in the play-off final at Wembley.

All, that is, except assistant head David Hillary, a Carlisle United supporter.
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Lynda said: "Everyone has huge smiles on their faces this faces this morning apart from David who is looking a little glum!

"That makes it all the sweeter really!"

She said staff were now planning to have T-shirts made with Jonny's school photo and the words "Go Jonny".

Jonny rose through the ranks at Leeds United, having joined its academy when he was nine. He signed his first professional contract in 2006 and made his first team debut last year.