Middlesbrough loanee Jordan Hugill hopes that Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup clash with Preston North End will give him a proper chance to say goodbye to the Deepdale faithful.

The 26-year-old made over 100 appearances for North End before sealing a reported £9.5million move to West Ham United last January.

Hugill endured a tough time at the London club, however, and now finds himself out on loan at Tony Pulis’ Boro.

Speaking to the club in their matchday programme via the Lancashire Post, Hugill said: “I’d like to think this will be a proper chance to thank the supporters and say goodbye properly.

“I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to many people in January because it all came around so quickly - I don’t want to just go off without showing my appreciation to everyone and hopefully this will give me the chance to do it and hopefully I get a good reception!"

Preston host Boro on Tuesday night in the cup, after failing to win a game in the league since the opening day of the season.

The Verdict

Hugill left Preston to try his hand in the Premier League and there are surely many players that would have done the same.

A player of decent talent, he was beginning to really find his feet at Deepdale before the Hammers came calling.

He's now trying to find that form once more, though, and Middlesbrough will surely hope that happens.