PROFILE Tommy was spotted whilst playing for Norway under 16's in a three team tournament, in Dublin in 1996. The potential of the 16 year old, was enough to convince youth coaches Paul Hart and John Bilton to offer him a future with Leeds and on his 17th birthday, the Norwegian signed for United. It was a move that met with disapproval from the football authorities in his native Norway and as a result of his move to England, the youngster subsequently found himself excluded from selection at youth level for his country. It was a tribute to Tommy, that at such a young age, he remained unaffected by the controversy generated by his move to England. He's become fluent in English and has developed in to as likeable a character as you'll find anywhere in the Leeds squad. He's not just a nice guy either, he's a talented player too. Indeed it was an indication of Tommy's potential, that he was voted United's Young player of the Year, at the end of the 1998/99 season, ahead of the other exceptional youngsters that were emerging at the time, such as Alan Smith and Johnny Woodgate. Having made his debut as a substitute, in the last few minutes of United's 5 -1 FA Cup 4th round romp at Portsmouth, in January 1999, the young Norwegian, who made the brave move to England as a 17 year old, may not be far from being rewarded with a regular place in the first team squad.