Sky Sports pundit names ‘driving force’ behind Middlesbrough win over Blackburn, he’s a ‘real talent’

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Middlesbrough are beginning to find form at just the right time, securing a huge win over Blackburn Rovers on Friday evening.

Following a victory over Oxford United last Saturday, Middlesbrough beat Blackburn Rovers 2-0 on April 4.

Tommy Conway opened the scoring inside two minutes with a simply sensational effort.

An own goal then followed six minutes later and Boro were able to see out the meeting from there.

A number of players shone across the 90 minutes, with Jonny Howson as impressive as ever despite operating out of position at centre-back.

Middlesbrough fans praised Kelechi Iheanacho after he earned himself one assist (two if you count the own goal).

But it was another player who came in for high praise post-match in the Sky Sports studio.

• READ MORE: Former Man Utd ace had major role in Middlesbrough snubbing Premier League striker to sign Kelechi Iheanacho

Tommy Smith praised Hayden Hackney after Middlesbrough beat Blackburn

Tommy Smith was covering the game live on Sky and was quick to praise the club’s Man of the Match on the day, Hayden Hackney.

Hackney’s future at Middlesbrough is in doubt but he has been so crucial for the Teessiders this season, with Smith showing his appreciation for the England U21 international.

He said: “I just think Hayden for his sheer endeavour around the pitch, I think over the 90 minutes he was a driving force, him and Aidan Morris to be fair in the centre of pitch. And they contributed massively to the win.”

When asked about Hackney’s talent, Smith continued: “He’s a huge talent and what he’s done is, since Michael Carrick became the manager of the football club, he’s not really missed many games, and it just shows how much he is maturing as a player.

“He’s starting to really, well I say starting he’s done it for a few months now as a minimum, you know he’s really starting to affect the game.

“Not only that, he started to add numbers to his game as well in terms of the assists in terms of the goals.

“So he’s a huge talent, and I’m grateful and grateful enough and I’m thankful enough that I’m around him, well I’ve been around him, for the last couple of years because I’ve seen him just sort of mature into this real, real talent.”

• READ MORE: Forget Hayden Hackney, Middlesbrough must be wary of losing £2.5m star in 2025 summer transfer window

Hayden Hackney stats for Middlesbrough vs Blackburn

Middlesbrough have sold a few major talents in the last couple of years, the latest being Emmanuel Latte Lath.

But losing local lad Hackney, who has received interest from the likes of Crystal Palace and Fulham, would be a major blow.

Whatever happens in the remainder of the season, though, it’s clear Hackney is set for a very, very bright future. Middlesbrough fans will just be hoping it’s at the Riverside.