700-up Middlesbrough FC and former Leeds United and Norwich City captain Jonathan Howson receives praise from Michael Carrick on his milestone achievement for Championship club
The former Leeds United captain and Norwich City favourite, who turned 35 in May, came on in the second half of Boro’s EFL Cup win at Huddersfield Town, having recovered from a knee issue.
On the achievement of Morley-born Howson, who made his debut for boyhood club Leeds against Barnet in the same competition just under 17 years earlier in September 2006, Carrick said: “It’s just the type of person he is and the drive, character and attitude for starters.
“You do need a touch of luck to get through your career in terms of injuries. The way he goes about it, he still drives me mad sometimes, when I try to pull him out of training or rest in a game or whatever it is.
“He is so desperate to be part of every single minute. It’s fantastic. He is captain for a reason, he is the example. He doesn’t say a lot, but he leads and has got the respect.
“To play so many games, you have got to have something about them and it’s great for everyone to take something from, not just the young lads.”
At 16 years and 161 days old, he became the club’s second youngest ever debutant in the process.
On what he likes about the teenager, Carrick enthused: “The natural ability, really and he always looks like he has time on the ball.
“He has trained with us a bit over pre-season. I am conscious of the age he is at and it’s our responsibility to help develop him, really. As it is with all the academy players.
“At some point, he will be training with us and at other times, he will be with the under-18s. I thought he deserved his chance and showed his quality in training
“The challenge for him now is that first bit. It was a big night which was great for him and his family and I am sure they are really proud of him and so they should be.
“It’s a terrific achievement to get that first one (appearance), but it’s the work next that counts. I am sure he will be fine and he has the real example of Jonny Howson playing his 700th game at the other end of the scale to learn from and take any little bits that he possibly can.
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Norwich City recruited Omobamidele back in 2018, bringing him into their academy ranks from Leixlip United as a teenager.
Since working through his ranks, the 21-year-old has gone on to play 52 times for the Canaries, chipping in with two goals in the process. He came on off the bench against Hull City last weekend, playing 16 minutes as David Wagner’s side won 2-1.
Now though, it is claimed Omobamidele has emerged as a target for Premier League Bournemouth.
The Cherries already look set to sign Max Aarons from Norwich City and now, TEAMtalk has said that they’re turning their attentions to the Republic of Ireland international. A move is being plotted, so time will tell if this initial interest develops into anything more concrete as the window progresses.
Omobamidele has three years remaining on his contract with the club.
Bournemouth have shown they’ve got the money to spend and they’re no strangers to dipping into the Championship for top stars. A move for Omobamidele makes sense from that perspective but time will tell if Norwich are willing to sanction an exit.
The defender has a big future ahead of him and he’s someone the Canaries could definitely get a good deal for this summer. His contract situation means they’re under no pressure to sell though, so this situation should be in their hands.
They’ve had interest in key assets before and have previously fended off interest in Omobamidele but time will tell if they’re able to do so again if Bournemouth come calling. Around three weeks remains in the transfer window so fans will be eager to see how this one pans out.