MICHAEL Carrick has told of his delight after Hayden Hackney was this week named as the North East Football Writers Association's Young Player of the Year for 2023.

And after the midfielder's stunning breakthrough for his hometown club, Carrick said the 21-year-old has "only scratched the surface" in an exciting glimpse to the future.

After breaking into the first team on the back of Chris Wilder's exit at the end of 2022, Hackney enjoyed a stunning 2023. He signed a new Boro contract last summer and has established himself as an England Under-21 international and one of the Championship's brightest lights.

The Redcar-born midfielder was the overwhelming winner of the prestigious North East award, beating Newcastle's Lewis Miley and Sunderland's Jack Clarke.

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Carrick said: “It’s fantastic. I’ve sat and talked a lot about Hayden over a long period of time now and it’s great that he’s getting the rewards and praise that he deserves.

"There is so much more to come from him as well. He’s only scratched the surface really with him being at the age he’s at. There is so much opportunity for him in the game ahead of him and I’m really excited to see what he’s capable of doing.

“It’s all there for Hayden. We can all see what he’s capable of and how much he’s improved over a short period of time. Perhaps more importantly, how he keeps improving too.

"We’re still patient with him because he’s still young and he’s still learning and developing. But we’re excited. He does all he can to improve and we’re there to help him and guide him as best as we can."