December 2011

For many Premier League clubs however, it might also be known as a conveyor belt to the top flight, with many current stars gaining invaluable first team experience which has formed the foundations of their careers.

In a new feature, the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy can reveal its line-up of 11 players to have starred in the trophy since the Johnstone’s Paint sponsorship began and are now plying their trade in the most popular league in the world.

1. Keiran Westwood

Westwood has recently forced his way into Sunderland’s first team and looks set to stay there following some inspired performances for the Black Cats, most notably at Old Trafford.

He cut his teeth in football with Carlisle United, playing 131 games for the Cumbrians and starring in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in 2007, when Carlisle beat Chester City 4-2.

2. Carl Jenkinson

The Arsenal youngster is enjoying a breakthrough season at the Emirates, but not before making his professional debut for Charlton Athletic in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy against Brentford at Griffin Park in 2010.

3. Garry Monk

Monk is the mainstay of Swansea City’s Premier League side, which is a far cry from his 2007/08 season with the Swans, when he led them to the area finals of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, narrowly missing out on a trip to Wembley after losing on penalties to MK Dons.

4. Craig Dawson

Big things are expected of the England under-21 international at West Bromwich Albion and it all began for Dawson with Rochdale and the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

His first professional goal came in the trophy in 2009 at home to Bradford City.

5. Marc Tierney

One of Norwich City’s shining lights this season, but not before playing in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy as a youngster, first with Oldham Athletic against Chesterfield in 2006 and then with Shrewsbury Town in 2007 away at Yeovil Town and again in 2008 in their run to the area semi-finals.

6. Anthony Pilkington

Norwich City’s star performer this season, but Pilkington’s reputation was forged with Huddersfield Town and the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in particular.

Two of his goals against Peterborough in October 2010 were shortlisted for Ultimate Finish awards.

7. Luca Scapuzzi

A name to watch out for! A hugely talented Manchester City youngster currently learning his craft at Oldham Athletic.

Already gaining a big reputation in Lancashire, helped by his wonder goal against Crewe Alexandra in the area quarter finals this season.

8. Henri Lansbury

Another product of the Arsenal youth system, Lansbury got his first taste of football on the world’s biggest stage when he starred for Scunthorpe United at Wembley in the 2009 final against Luton Town.

9. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

The Arsenal youngster was signed from Southampton and has already scored in the Champions League this season.

Not before one cutting his teeth in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, where his substitute appearance for the Saints against Swindon Town was one his first outings ever.

10. Grant Holt

The Norwich talisman enjoyed a career revival at Shrewsbury Town, alerting the attention of Norwich City for his goal scoring exploits.

On October 7 2008 he plundered five goals in one Johnstone’s Paint Trophy game at Wycombe Wanderers – a record that may never be broken.

11. Danny Graham

Now at Premier League new boys Swansea City, Danny Graham knows everything there is to know about the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy after his time with competition veterans, Carlisle United. Graham scored 29 goals for Carlisle from 2007 to 2009, leading from front both domestic and Johnstone’s Paint Trophy campaigns.

Teresa Hardwick, sponsorship manager for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, said: “It’s wonderful to look back on the players who have graced the competition over the last six years.

“The fact these players are now playing in the Premier League reflects the quality of football we’ve come to expect in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

“I’m sure many more future Premier League players will make big impacts in our competition.”

Johnstone’s. Bringing colour to the beautiful game.