Middlesbrough star could return for play-offs

Middlesbrough star could return for play-offs

Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg has revealed that star midfielder Hayden Hackney could feature in the Championship play-off semi-final.

Boro host in-form Southampton in the first leg of their play-off semi-final this Saturday lunchtime. The Saints have lost just one game in all competitions since January – against Manchester City, and are the favourites to triumph in the play-offs.

However, Boro could be massively boosted by the return of talisman Hackney. The midfielder was recognised as Championship Player of the Season last month, but has been sidelined since mid-March.

Hackney’s absence has coincided with Boro’s drop in form which saw them slip out of the top two and into the play-offs.

“He’s been on the pitch for the first time on the grass,” revealed Hellberg. “He’s been inside before, so it’s a big step forward.

“Then, if it’s possible to have him on the bench on Saturday, we will see and if it’s possible on Tuesday.

“He’s been doing his fitness, so as soon as he’s also back on the grass, it’s possible. Then, of course, it’s a balance how quickly from you coming back to when you can be on there.

“It’ll be exciting to see what happens with him.”

The Swedish coach continued: “In the end of the season, where it matters the most, we lose the league’s best player.

“He’s also a big leader for this team, which means that both as a quality player but also as a person, as a leader, he’s very, very important.

“I want him, as everyone else wants him, on the pitch because we know he’s a fantastic footballer. He’s an unbelievable person. He’s the captain for us in many games and a local boy that we’re just very, very proud of.”