Hayden Hackney reacts to Neil Warnock's 'daft' claim live on Sky Sports after Boro win | OneFootball

Hayden Hackney scored in Middlesbrough's 4-0 win over QPR on Sunday

Hayden Hackney played a starring role in Middlesbrough’s 4-0 win over QPR on Sunday afternoon as he continues to prove why he's one of the Championship's standout players.

Kim Hellberg’s side earned an emphatic three points at Loftus Road to boost their chances of automatic promotion to the Premier League this season.

The Teesside outfit took the lead in the 20th minute through David Strelec, before goals from Alan Browne, Hackney and Tommy Conway from the penalty spot in the second half sealed the incredibly comfortable win.

Boro extended their unbeaten run to four games, and reopened the gap to Millwall in third to four points with just 10 fixtures remaining.

However, Ipswich Town are only one point further back, and Kieran McKenna’s side have a game in hand to boot, so there is still plenty of pressure coming from the clubs behind.

Middlesbrough will need to keep up their current level of performance in their final 10 games in order to have a chance at a return to the Premier League for the first time since 2017, and they'll need Hackney on top form in that period.

Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney reacts to Neil Warnock's Premier League claim

Former Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock praised Hackney’s performance in the win over QPR on Sunday, claiming that he will enjoy making the step up to the Premier League - presumably when Boro win promotion.

Veteran ex-Boro boss Warnock gave the midfielder his debut for the club in a 2-1 FA Cup loss to Brentford in 2021, and he has expressed his delight at seeing how far he has come all these years later, particularly as he was criticised for the decision to play him at the time.

“It doesn’t seem that long ago, does it Hayden? Brentford away in the cup,” Warnock said on Sky Sports following Boro's win over QPR.

“Everyone thought I was daft for playing him! But I’m really pleased how you’re going on, son.

“It was the same [Saturday] when Josh Coburn scored [for Millwall].

“They were two great lads together.

“And I’m sure you’re going to enjoy playing in the Premier League as well. Congratulations.”

Hackney shared his gratitude towards Warnock both for the comments, and for giving him that chance over five years ago against the Bees, and he is hopeful that this can be the year he helps Middlesbrough gain their place back in the top flight.

“Thank you very much! Thank you for my debut as well,” replied Hackney.

“It was a long time ago.

“I probably wasn’t ready at the time, but I’m appreciative of that.

“Now, hopefully this year can be the year.”

Hackney scored his fifth goal of the Championship campaign to put Boro 3-0 ahead at Loftus Road, with the midfielder also registering six assists so far this term in what is proving to be a big year for the academy graduate.

The 23-year-old Redcar-born star has started every Championship game so far this season, establishing himself as a dependable figure under both Rob Edwards and Hellberg, with Premier League interest fended off in January by the Boro hierarchy.

Hayden Hackney is ready for Premier League football

Hackney had another stellar game for Middlesbrough at the weekend, and he is proving himself as one of the top talents in the Championship this season.

The midfielder has been key for Hellberg’s side, and it will be his performances in the remainder of the campaign that could make the difference between a top two finish and having to compete in the play-offs.

If Boro fail to gain promotion, then there will surely be a lot of transfer interest in him in the summer, and there may still be even if they do earn a place in the top flight.

Hackney has come a long way since making his debut for Middlesbrough over five years ago, and it’s no surprise that Warnock is so pleased with his development - he should surely become a Premier League player with Boro next season, and if he doesn't, you'd expect him to be sold on as he looks ready for that step up.