Middlesbrough FC boss Kim Hellberg provides positive update on Hayden Hackney ahead of Southampton play-off tie
MIDDLESBROUGH head coach Kim Hellberg has provided a positive update regarding talismanic midfielder Hayden Hackney - and admits he could potentially be involved from the bench in the club's Championship play-off semi-final with Southampton.
Hackney, crowned as the division's player of the season at the EFL awards nights last month, has been out with a hamstring injury since the game against Bristol City in March 14 - and has been sidelined for Boro's last eight matches.
Hellberg says that the 24-year-old, likely to be on the radar of a number of Premier League sides this summer, is progressing very well in his rehabilitation and has been out on the grass this week.
He admits that it could be a case of risk-and-reward regarding his involvement from the bench in a finely-poised tie with Saints.
He said: "Absolutely. He's been on the pitch for the first time on the grass. 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.
"Of course, he could also be coming into that stadium where he takes a bigger risk, of course, in terms of that. We'll see what happens, but it's always a big step forward for him.
"It'll be exciting to see what happens with him."
On the psychological influence of potentially having Hackney back in the fold, he added: "Of course, it's (been) tough for him.
"In the end of the season, where it matters the most, we lose the league's best player. We lost Alfie Jones - I think the best centre-back in the league - maybe with one or two others. We've missed him at Christmas and haven't played a minute since then.
"We had a lot of tough things in terms of that; losing big, big players through the season. Now Hayden's been fighting with that and I think he's done absolutely brilliant in how he's acted. He's supporting everyone, he's trying to get back.
"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.
"That is not easy, to be energising when you struggle yourself by wanting to play, but you cannot because something in your body puts a stop to it, but you're trying to progress in it.
"I think he's been amazing in handling this time and trying to do everything to support the team in any way he can. And then, of course, now progressing to being out on the pitch. The steps are taking forward, I'm very happy for that.
"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.
"So, yes, we hope it goes quicker and, again, I hope he's back."
Another key force in Riley McGree made his return from the bench in last weekend's draw with Wrexham and is in contention to start against Saints, Hellberg confirmed.
He added: "Riley is ready to go. Now it's a competition for him, but he's ready.