Hackney talks after returning at the weekend

After returning to eligibility and going straight back into the squad on Saturday, on-loan midfielder Hayden Hackney is aiming to finish the season strongly both individually and collectively.

The 19-year-old left St James Park in mid-January knowing he’d face two games on the sidelines after being withdrawn as a concussion substitute, but that lay-off was extended to a total of six games following an FA charge later that week for an incident alleged to have taken place during the match against Exeter City.

Speaking about his return, and his charge, he told iFollow Iron: “I was buzzing to be back. It’s been a long six games, but I’ve learnt my lesson and it’s good to get back out there. 

“It was hard to take. It wasn’t intentional. The video looked bad, so I had to take it on the chin. I want to apologise to everyone for the six games I had to miss out on, but we move on now. It’s been a learning curve for me.”

Hackney, on-loan from Middlesbrough, had the Rochdale game in mind throughout his absence, and made sure he was ready if called upon.

He also reflected on the game against the Lancashire-based side, and playing with the likes of Anthony Grant, Liam Feeney and Rekeil Pyke for the first time.

“I’ve been doing a lot of running,” he stated.

“It’s not the same as when you’re going into a game, but I was feeling pretty good. I tired towards the last 10 minutes, but I was just buzzing to be back out there. 

“It was basically a new team to play with (since I last played), especially in midfield and up front. I thought we were good in the first half, but the goals conceded sums up our luck at the minute, I think.

“I think we start games well, and we’re good in the first half. Their first goal is a deflection and I think we’ve lost a bit of confidence after that.”

United next welcome the side in third position in Sky Bet League Two, with the Cobblers coming into the tie unbeaten in four and having suffered just one defeat in eight.

Previewing the encounter, he added: “It’s another good chance to try and get some points on the board. Northampton away was my first game for Scunthorpe. We had Manny (Onariase) sent off early on in that game, so we had 10 men for much of it, but can’t wait for Tuesday."

See much more from Hayden Hackney on iFollow Iron.