Middlesbrough's Championship play-off hopes have received a major boost, with manager Kim Hellberg confirming that star midfielder Hayden Hackney could be available for the semi-final showdown against Southampton.

Boro host the in-form Saints this Saturday lunchtime in the first leg of their play-off semi-final. Southampton have been nearly unstoppable since January, suffering just one defeat in all competitions—a loss to Premier League giants Manchester City—making them the clear favourites to secure promotion.

However, the potential return of Hackney could be a game-changer for Middlesbrough. The 22-year-old midfielder was crowned Championship Player of the Season last month, but has been sidelined since mid-March with an injury. His absence has coincided with a dip in Boro's form, causing them to slip from the top two and into the play-off places.

"He's been on the pitch for the first time on the grass," Hellberg revealed. "He's been inside before, so it's a big step forward. If it's possible to have him on the bench on Saturday, we will see, and if it's possible on Tuesday. He's been doing his fitness, so as soon as he's back on the grass, it's possible. Of course, it's a balance of how quickly you can return to being match-ready."

The Swedish coach didn't hide the significance of Hackney's potential return, especially with promotion on the line. "In the end of the season, where it matters the most, we lose the league's best player. He's also a big leader for this team, which means that both as a quality player but also as a person, as a leader, he's very, very important. I want him, as everyone else wants him, on the pitch because we know he's a fantastic footballer. He's an unbelievable person. He's the captain for us in many games and a local boy that we're just very, very proud of."

With the play-offs heating up, Middlesbrough fans will be hoping Hackney's return can inspire a turnaround and keep their promotion dreams alive.