Jordan Hugill joined Middlesbrough on loan late last month.
Middlesbrough signed Jordan Hugill on loan from West Ham United late last month, but after being sidelined through injury the striker is yet to nail down a place in Tony Pulis’ starting line-up.
The task has been made even harder by the form shown by strikers Britt Assombalonga and Martin Braithwaite, who have five goals between them this term.
However, after a slight slump in the Boro’s scoring form, on-loan Hugill could be the hidden gem to recapture Middlesbrough’s goals if given a chance in the first-team.
Middlesbrough-born Hugill has played three games since returning from an injury that kept him from featuring in Boro’s early season unbeaten run, but the forward has looked tidy when he has featured.
His recent appearance came away to Leeds United in a 0-0 draw at Elland Road and Hugill worked hard to earn Boro the point they deserved when he came off the bench, chasing every ball down and creating some good chances.
However, the 26-year-old’s best performance from the three came when he opened his account for the season against Rochdale in the EFL Cup, with a brilliant header to seal his side’s place in the third round.
Manager Pulis must first give Hugill a chance in the starting line-up and with Norwich City away in the Championship coming up after the international break, it could be the perfect time for the former Preston North End man to feature.
Two-goal striker Assombalonga has struggled as of late and hasn’t scored since Boro’s away win at Bristol City last month and hidden gem Hugill could be the man to replace him and partner top scorer Braithwaite.
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