Teenage midfielder Jonny Howson has added to Leeds manager Dennis Wise's selection problems for Monday night's Sky-televised visit to Crewe.

Howson played a full 90 minutes for the reserves in midweek after missing two matches with a knee injury suffered against Swansea on December 29.

In the Leeds-born youngster's absence United lost 3-1 against Oldham before defeating Northampton 3-0.

Howson made three successive first-team appearances before being injured but Wise signed Neil Kilkenny from Birmingham and he excelled on his debut against Northampton in Howson's central midfield position.

Wise could play both men at Crewe by moving Andrew Hughes to his specialist left-back spot in place of former Bradford loanee Ben Parker.

Midfielder and captain Alan Thompson is also available after suspension along with central defender Matt Heath, who has served a one-match ban.

Paul Huntington shone in Heath's absence against Northampton and could keep his place, while loan signing Darren Kenton is also in contention for a place in defence after arriving from Leicester.

Newcomers Seb Sorsa, Peter Sweeney and Bradley Johnson are pushing for inclusion too as Wise finds himself with a host of options.

Kenton's loan is initially until February 12 and will provide cover while central defender Rui Marques is away with Angola at the African Nations Cup.

He began his career at Norwich before moving to Southampton and has played 14 times for Leicester this season.

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