Middlesbrough's Adam Jackson unsure if his future lies with Hartlepool United

But, as things stand, the Young Player of the Year will be making his Pools swan song today at Plymouth.

Pools boss Craig Hignett would like the 21-year-old back at Victoria Park next season as he looks to build a side capable of promotion from League Two.

Jackson has been on loan at Pools since the start of November after then-boss Ronnie Moore took a gamble on the young Middlesbrough defender, who had not played a game of senior football.

That gamble paid off handsomely.

After a busy debut, when Jackson and the defence had to repel a Cheltenham barrage in the first round of the FA Cup, the Darlington-born defender has been a permanent fixture in the side.

“I’ve loved every minute of it,” said the centre-half who said he was surprised an honoured by his trophy at the club’s awards night this week.

“My debut was a bit of shell shock, but enjoyed every single minute that day and since.

“It was a month to start with but when I was offered the chance of an extension, I took it straight away.

“Coming back here was a no-brainer, why would I want to leave Hartlepool?

“I’ve stayed right through to the end of the season and couldn’t have been happier.”

The omens may not be good for Pools getting Jackson back next season.

He has excelled in League Two and Boro may feel he is better suited in a higher division.

Or they could demand a sizeable fee for a player with one year left on his contract at the Riverside.

“You know as much as me, I don’t know anything to be honest,” he admitted.

“I hope we can get something sorted but I have one more year left on my Boro contract so it’s in their hands really.

“I’ll be going back there for pre-season unless I hear otherwise.

“It’s up to Middlesbrough, I’m not really in a position to decide what happens.”

Boro can’t NOT be impressed by the standard of his performances in the blue and white of Pools.

Much could depend on what division Middlesbrough are going to be in.

Should they win promotion today, Boro would be in football’s promised land with an expected £100 million fortune awaiting them - and that’s before a ball is kicked in the Premier League.

“I’ve kept in touch with the coaches at Middlesbrough and they’ve been through to watch me,” he said.

“They have been through my performances and given me feedback, which has always been positive.”

Today’s trip to Home Park will also signal the farewell to Pools two other temporary signings.

Long-term loan men Luke James and Jake Gray will return to parent clubs Peterborough and Crystal Palace in the summer.