Leeds United's teenage sensation James Milner was spotted as a future star while playing for Rawdon Juniors - aged just nine.

The prodigy from Horsforth, who is 17 today, hit the headlines on Boxing Day when he became the Premiership's youngest goalscorer, bagging the equaliser at Sunderland. And it was just his fifth substitute appearance!

He had earlier written his name in the Elland Road record books by being the youngest to play in the first team.

Last Saturday Milner lit up Elland Road when he showed his record-breaking strike was no fluke. He scored a sublime second goal against the superstars of Chelsea.

For a player barely known outside West Yorkshire six months ago, Milner now has the world at his feet.

And today, his £80-a-week contract will be increased ten-fold.

Leeds manager Terry Venables describes him as "a pleasure to work with" and "a very special young man".

Milner, who has ten GCSEs, was capped at England under-17 level, scoring in a summer tournament which included Brazil and Italy.

Now TV soccer pundits are comparing him with Everton's Wayne Rooney.

It was all a far cry from playing for Westbrook Juniors in Horsforth and life at Horsforth School.

But Rawdon soccer coach and teacher Graeme Coulson had James marked out as one to watch, even at nine.

"I first came across him when I was refereeing a junior match involving Westbrook under- nines at Horsforth," said Mr Coulson.

"He was so outstanding then that I asked some of the Horsforth parents who he was.

"I noted his name and it was one not to be forgotten. He was an outstanding talent, scoring lots of goals but he was also very strong.

"He then played for my Rawdon side in a number of tournaments. We entered a prestigious tournament at Rawdon Meadows which we won with a

6-0 scoreline in the final and James scored four of them."

Horsforth School has also paid tribute to Milner's achievements. Fran Morris said: "He was a first-class student and he did really well at his GCSEs.

"He was very sporty at school and he won the PE prize which was handed out just before we broke up. We wish him all the best in his career. We are all proud of him at the school."

As well as soccer. Milner played cricket for Yorkshire Schools. He also excelled as an athlete - he was Leeds Schools cross-country champion for three successive years.

The young Milner was a season ticket holder at Elland Road along with his parents Peter and Lesley before becoming a ball boy.

He joined the Leeds United Academy after being spotted playing for Westbrook in Horsforth. He made good progress at the end of the school year and was taken on as a trainee.

Now some of the best defenders in the country are taking notice of the former Rawdon Junior.