Jordan Hugill has given Tony Pulis something to think about ahead of Leeds showdown

The Teesside target man, 26, is hungry for game time after making his first Boro start against Rochdale in the Carabao Cup.

Hugill, who joined Boro on loan from West Ham earlier this month, played a key part in the tie, as his second-half header secured a 2-1 victory over the League One side.

It was a huge moment for Hugill, a local lad and fan of the club since his childhood.

The robust striker started out at non-league side Marske United, and worked as a barman in Middlesbrough alongside his football career.

That was before an impressive four-year spell at Preston North End, where his performances earned the stiker a move to the London Stadium in January 2018.

Since his return to Boro, Hugill has been hampered by a hamstring injury, which has restricted him to a brief cameo against West Brom last Friday.

But, when the chance came, he took it, and Hugill is already looking towards the future.

"At the end of the day it's the result the matters, but getting on the scoresheet makes it a little bit sweeter," he told mfc.co.uk

"It was a good performance, and I'm delighted."

Hugill now has his sights set on this Friday's much-anticipated game with Leeds, when the top two sides in the Championship will come face-to-face at Elland Road.

Britt Assombalonga will be favourite to lead the line against Marcelo Bielsa's side, but Hugill believes he's given his own manager, Tony Pulis, something to think about.

"Fitness-wise I'm still little bit off it, but the goal will help. You can do as much work off the pitch but if you get your games in then the fitness will come," added Hugill.

"I'll keep doing my stuff and we'll see what happens.

"The manager has things to think about now, it's a good performance and a win, and it's fresh in the memory, so as I say we'll see what happens Friday now."