There's a concern Hackney's ambitions may be played out elsewhere

ONE of the greatest threats from Middlesbrough's dramatic failure to maintain the promotion pace is that Hayden Hackney might get itchy feat.

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The Boro skipper is the team’s outstanding player by a million miles, which is why big clubs will once again start hovering this month.

It was a magnificent gesture when Hackney turned down the approach from Ipswich Town last year and decided to stay put on Teesside.

He must have been as delighted as anyone to see Boro come out firing on all cylinders this season and deservedly entrench themselves in a top-two position.

This fully vindicated Hackney's decision not to join Ipswich and also meant that he might be able to step into the Premier League with his hometown club.