IT wasn't that long ago that Hayden Coulson was being tipped for a Premier League move, with Newcastle United linked with a £10m move for the Middlesbrough left-back.

After bursting through at Boro and impressing under then-boss Jonathan Woodgate, it seemed the only way was up for Coulson - and yet his promising career stalled.

Woodgate was replaced by Neil Warnock, Coulson lost his place in the side, suffered with injuries and headed for Ipswich Town and Peterborough on loan, two moves that didn't work out.

But a loan switch to Aberdeen this season has helped Coulson get back on track, and despite the setbacks in the last couple of seasons, the 24-year-old still believes he can achieve his dream of playing in the Premier League.

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“I’m a Newcastle fan and I was linked with them a few years ago," the Boro left-back told the Daily Record.

“That was my childhood dream when I was going to St James’ Park but I was happy at Middlesbrough at the time. They’re not doing too badly now, are they?

“I saw Dan Burn’s dancing (after beating Leicester in the quarter-final). It was a bit questionable! But he’s a very good player and for every kid who’s from there, that’s the dream - to play at St James’ and score.

“So credit to him, he’s done really well there. When I was linked, it was my first season under Woodgate at Middlesbrough. I had a good start. There were a few headlines and it’s good to have stuff like that written about you. But I was just happy playing my football. Then injuries come - and here we are.

“I’m not too sure if it was ever close. I leave that side of it to my agent. I was just thankful to Woodgate for putting me in that position. Now I need to get back to doing what I do.

“Can I get back to that level? Definitely. I think it’s everyone’s ambition to go to the Premier League.

“There’s maybe a time slot in which you can do it but in my case, I’d say there’s plenty of time left."

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Coulson's future is unclear at this stage. His Boro contract is due to expire at the end of the season, though the club have kept in close contact with the left-back throughout the current campaign. Aberdeen are keen on making the loan permanent if the opportunity presents itself.

It's not clear whether the return of Woodgate, who rates Coulson highly, could mean he gets another chance on Teesside. But regardless of what happens going forward, Coulson will be grateful to Woodgate for giving him his first team chance and getting his career off the ground.

He said:  “Woodgate is now back at Middlesbrough as a coach, which is good. I thoroughly enjoyed having him as my manager a few years ago.

“The club has been good at keeping in touch, we’ve spoken throughout this loan spell. After games, they do a little record and stuff like that. As a manager, he was spot on.

“He was the first one to give me a proper chance early in my career. It gave me a real confidence boost but I was unfortunate to get injured.

“He had a great career himself so it’s good to have someone like that there, who’s been there and done it. He’s shown me the way to do it.”