Hayden Hackney is ready for his first full season as a Middlesbrough first-team player

Michael Carrick won’t judge Hayden Hackney on goals scored, but has challenged the midfielder to try and chip in with a few when he can next season.

Hackney’s development at Boro has been something of a source of pride for Carrick. The academy midfielder was first given his opportunity during Leo Percovich’s interim spell in charge, with Carrick seeing enough then to make him a central figure of the Boro team he led to the play-offs last term.

With a real passion for developing players, the Boro head coach couldn’t be better positioned to aid Hackney’s growth as a player, having played the exact same role as the 21-year-old during his own illustrious career.

Throughout their time working together, Hackney has noted how much he is learning from his head coach, with Carrick detailing new parts to his game that they’ve been working on together over the summer pre-season games. And having scored a goal – albeit heavily deflected – in the final summer friendly against Auxerre on Saturday, Carrick would love to see the Redcar midfielder chip in with goals now and then.

Carrick said: “Of course, it’s great for Hayden. I think he can add that to his game. He constantly adds things to his game. He’s being a bit more expressive with his passing and a bit longer range, a good variety to his play. That’s what we’re always working on, trying to help him develop.

“Goals is the magic ingredient. I don’t judge him on how many goals he’ll scores this season but, of course, he’s a midfielder and if he can chip in with some then even better.”

Hackney established himself in a successful Boro side last season to be credited as one of the brightest young prospects in the division as he earned a nomination for Young Player of the Year. He’ll be hoping for more individual and team success as Boro look to go one better than last year and earn promotion to the Premier League.