Hayden Hackney reacts as Aidan Morris breaks Middlesbrough silence | OneFootball

One Boro star has reacted to another's heartfelt message post-playoff final heartbreak

Middlesbrough will no doubt still be getting over the events of last weekend, when they were cruelly defeated at Wembley in the Championship play-off final by Hull City.

In events that will likely never transpire again, the Teessiders were handed a late reprieve after being knocked out at the semi-final stage by Southampton, thanks to the Saints being found guilty of spying offences not only against them prior to the first leg, but also to other clubs in the regular season.

Therefore, Boro and 35,000 fans headed to Wembley on Bank Holiday weekend with their unexpected second chance - only for their hearts to be shattered by Oli McBurnie's 95th-minute winner for the Tigers.

It's been nine years since Boro were last in the Premier League, and they are going to have to wait another year at the very least to taste the top flight once more - which of their current players end up being around for the challenge of 2026-27 though remains to be seen.

Aidan Morris' message to Middlesbrough fans - Hayden Hackney responds

One player who has taken the proceedings very emotionally is Aidan Morris, with the American midfielder having two strokes of misfortune in quick succession - losing the play-off final, and then not being called up to the USA's World Cup squad.

And taking to social media nearly a week after the devastating defeat at Wembley, Morris appears very much prepared to help Boro try and reach the top tier of English football under Kim Hellberg next season.

"There’s been a lot to digest these past few days," Morris wrote on Instagram.

"Things obviously haven’t gone the way I’ve wanted them to go but that’s life and I love it.

"My plan still remains the same, I’m no victim and not searching for sympathy. All I can do is look at myself and take accountability for the things that were in my control.

"My Pops once told me that you have to be undeniable and I didn’t accomplish that. So back to the drawing board I go and find the missing pieces to the puzzle. Continue to put one foot in front of the other and have the goal everyday I wake up to become a better version of myself.

"These experiences and emotions simply add fuel to fire and will force me to be a better version than I was. This story is gonna be special!!"

And replying to Morris' message was his current team-mate Hayden Hackney, who posted a simple handshake emoji and love heart to his midfield partner - but how much longer are the two going to be team-mates for?

It would be a huge surprise if Hayden Hackney and Aidan Morris are team-mates next season

With Middlesbrough failing to make the most of their second play-offs chance at Wembley, it likely spells the end for Hayden Hackney at the Riverside Stadium.

Having missed both legs of the semi-final against Southampton through injury, it was made very clear that Hackney would be fit by Hellberg, but he was unable to help guide his team to the top flight.

And because of that, the likelihood is Hackney is cashed in on by Steve Gibson - not because he particularly would want to sell the midfield maestro, but there will no doubt be a mutual understanding, given the number seven's loyalty last summer when Ipswich Town wanted him, that if the right offer from the top flight comes along, he will move on.