Back in the summer of 2018, Middlesbrough confirmed the signing of defender, Aden Flint on a four-year-deal after an impressive season with Bristol City. 

Flint arrived at the Riverside with a weight of expectation on his shoulders, after scoring nine goals from central defence for the Robins in the 2017/2018 season.

But the 29-year-old hasn't had the season he would have hoped to this season with Tony Pulis' side, as they have dropped out of the top six at a crucial stage of this year's campaign.

They have been replaced by Flint's former club, Bristol City, who have been in remarkable form in recent weeks and are looking like strong contenders to finish inside the top six.

Flint will be regretting his decision to leave Lee Johnson's side, and you have to feel that if he was in their squad this season, then they could have been challenging for one of the automatic promotion places higher up the table.

Boro are in a shocking run of form at the moment, but picked up a crucial three points in midweek against relegation-threatened, Bolton Wanderers.

That win put an end to a dismal run which saw Flint and his Middlesbrough team-mates lose six consecutive games as the supporters voiced their displeasure at the poor showings from their side.

But with just five games remaining for Boro to be able to force their way into the top six, it seems unlikely that they'll be able to dislodge the Robins anytime soon, especially given the excellent run of form that they are currently on.

Flint will be contemplating what could have been this season if he had remained patient with Bristol City, who seem like they could finally finish inside the top six, after a number of seasons which they have fallen away towards the end of their league campaign.

A decision that could prove costly, especially if Bristol City are to end up winning promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs ahead of Middlesbrough.