Speculation that Isaac Hayden's loan spell at Hull City may be ended prematurely has been quashed, with Tigers boss Steve Bruce declaring his interest in securing the 20-year-old permanently.
Hayden's lack of involvement at Hull – he had only made three starts and seven substitute appearances in the league prior to the weekend – led to Arsenal attempting to find the Englishman a more suitable home that would provide regular first team football, allowing for further development in the 20-year-old's game.
In what seems to be a turn of luck for Hayden, the potential loan deal to another Championship club fell through, and he was subsequently granted a rare start for the Tigers in their 6-0 trouncing of cellar dwellers Charlton Athletic.
Hayden's solid performance was capped off with his first goal for the club, which came through a deflected shot in the 80th minute.
With Hull in a fight to return to the Premier League following their relegation last season, it is no surprise that Bruce wants to shore up his squad by adding depth and quality.
Following the win over Charlton, Bruce declared he was “desperate" to keep Hayden at Hull for the long term.
"I've already been on to Arsenal because I'd love to make it permanent if I could," he said.
"I'd make it permanent tomorrow if that was possible. I desperately want to hang on to him. In an ideal world he'd want to be playing every week but he's started last weekend and again.
"He's a very good young player, who's progressing all the time."
"He's got his goal and he did very well. He's energetic and full of beans and he'll remember his first goal. I wanted to freshen us up in midfield and he was one who took his chance well. It was very good to see."
Whether or not Arsenal wants to part ways with Hayden remains to be seen. Regardless, he needs to play first team football. Bruce's comments may not eventuate to anything, they will however, give confidence to a young footballer that is trying to make his mark in the tough surroundings of the Championship.
Watch Hayden's goal at 5:00 -
Dominant team performance today and a massive 3 points! Happy to score my first professional goal! @HullCity#tigerspic.twitter.com/e8ZfOsuDny
— Isaac Hayden (@IsaacHayden65) January 16, 2016
By Andrew Maclean