The 2023 EFL Awards take place this weekend, and we've been taking a look at Boro's four nominations. Here we discuss a breakout campaign for yet another one of our own, who is on the shortlist for EFL Young Player of the Year...
Hayden Hackney’s emergence has been key to Boro’s promotion ambitions as the youngster continues to learn his craft under decorated Premier League winner Michael Carrick.
The Boro Academy graduate, who has been on the club’s books since the under-10 age bracket, was handed his senior debut by interim boss Leo Percovich in October, putting in an assured performance in our 1-0 win over Birmingham City.
His fine introduction to first-team football was rewarded with a first senior goal a the DW Stadium, firing home at the near post from 25 yards to put clear daylight between Boro and Wigan.
Following the appointment of Carrick, Hackney formed a sleek partnership at the base of midfield alongside club captain Jonny Howson, playing almost every minute as Boro clinched six wins from nine at the end of 2022.
A cool presence with a keen eye for a pass, Hackney’s playmaking prowess drew intrigue on the international stage and, via virtue of his mum’s Edinburgh heritage, the midfielder was called up by the Scotland Under-21 side for an international friendly against Iceland.
Hackney penned a new deal with Boro in December, committing his future to the club until the summer of 2026 and his close control and precision passing aided the Teessiders to seven victories from eight at the start of the new year, including three successive assists at the start of February.
Arguably his most accomplished performance to date, Hackney ran the show away at promotion hopefuls Sheffield United, slipping the ball through the legs of John Egan for Cameron Archer to wrap up the contest.
Exhibiting maturity beyond his 20 years, the midfielder scored his first Riverside goal in the 5-1 demolition of Norwich City last Friday before netting the equaliser against Hull City last time out.