JONNY Howson says the sky is the limit for Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney and while a big-money move might be inevitable at some stage in the summer, he hopes it only comes after the Teessider helps to guide his hometown club to promotion.

Howson has been Hackney's regular partner in the Boro midfield since the 21-year-old burst onto the scene at the end of 2022 and has been enormously impressed by the youngster on and off the pitch.

His dazzling displays in a Boro shirt have caught the eye of Premier League scouts, with several top flight clubs monitoring the midfielder - and Howson believes Hackney has shown he can step up.

But Boro's captain hopes Hackney sticks around for long enough to win promotion at the Riverside.

Hackney has signed two new contracts since breaking into the first team shortly after Michael Carrick's arrival as head coach in 2022 and the Redcar-born midfielder is happy on Teesside.

It's not clear whether any Premier League clubs will table bids for Hackney this summer but Boro are determined to keep hold of their star asset, if, as looks likely, they're planning for another season in the Championship and aiming for a tilt at promotion.

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Hackney has missed Boro's last seven games with a knee injury but is closing in on a return and his availability will be a major boost for Carrick.

“I honestly think he can go on to achieve anything," said Howson of Hackney.

"The biggest thing I've found with him. Look, his ability is there for us all to see, I don't need to mention that. But since he's come into the first team, off the pitch he hasn't changed one bit. He takes everything in his stride, nothing seems to faze him.  If it does, he doesn't show it.

"He's a great lad to work with day in, day out. He can go on to become anything he wants.

"With regards to myself, I've played with the likes of Fabian Delph. Different types of players but careers can take off if they keep performing consistently. Hopefully he wins promotion with Middlesbrough."