By Chris Dunlavy

SUNDERLAND v MIDDLESBROUGH
Today, Kick-off: Noon

TOMMY Smith has hailed the influence of dressing room sidekick Hayden Hackney in Middlesbrough’s stunning revival under Michael Carrick.
Fourth bottom of the Championship when the former Manchester United skipper took charge in October, Boro travel to the Stadium of Light for this afternoon’s Wear-Tees derby firmly in the play-off picture after winning seven of their last eight matches.
One constant throughout that run is homegrown youngster Hackney, a 20-year-old rookie who spent last season on loan at Scunthorpe battli...