Leeds United's first team hand Under-23s guard of honour at Thorp Arch after title triumph

Mark Jackson's side secured the Premier League 2 title and promotion to the top tier of England's academy pyramid at Aston Villa on Friday night.

The Whites - who required just a point to clinch the league - claimed a 2-1 victory thanks to a stunning free-kick from Sam Greenwood and a second half goal from Jack Jenkins.

Aaron Ramsey hit back for the hosts following Charlie Cresswell's dismissal for a second yellow card but held on to earn all three points.

Leeds have taken the development league by storm this season, winning 17 out of their 22 matches so far.

United will now play in the top division of the Premier League 2 set up - which will pit the club against the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea at academy level.

There will also be a meeting with arch rivals Manchester United next season in the development ranks.

Jackson - who is in his first year as the club's Under-23s head coach - revealed his players would be back in training to help the first team's preparation for Liverpool on Monday.

Marcelo Bielsa's outfit host Jurgen Klopp's reigning Premier League champions at Elland Road under the lights.

The Under-23s squad, though, were greeted by a special reception upon their arrival to training at Thorp Arch - receiving a guard of honour for their title triumph just hours earlier.

"The lads will enjoy going back on the bus I'm sure," Jackson reflected post-match on whether their would be any celebrations.

"We're back in the morning and this group of players will support the first team. They'll be in to support the first team on their journey in the Premier League.

"They've got a massive game on Monday [against Liverpool], so whatever we can do to help Marcelo and the first team we will do.

"We'll be reporting to Thorp Arch in the morning to recover and see what is needed for the first team."