Hayden Hackney playing for Everton
Hayden Hackney playing for Everton
The 24-year-old midfielder joined the Blues in the summer, and he is getting attention from the Tartan Army boss.
Hackney has 13 caps for the England Under-21 side and was part of the European Championship-winning side in 2025.
However, he is yet to receive a call-up to the senior Three Lions squad, so his future is open.
Thomas Tuchel may need to get a move on, if he wants him as a part of the future England set-up.
Scotland are trying to poach the Blues ace, and Pocognoli revealed he has already been in contract.
What did Sebastian Pocognoli say about Everton star Hayden Hackney?
Pocognoli made no secret of his desire to convince the former Middlesbrough star to change allegiance.
He spoke out and admitted that he has contacted the Hill Dickinson Stadium ace and Tottenham's Archie Gray about representing the side that are north of the border.
In quotes reported by the Daily Record on Wednesday evening, he said: “I have had direct or indirect contact [with Gray and Hackney].
"When I go to the direct contact it’s because I feel it’s a first positive approach, so yeah, I’ve done it with many players, I’ll do my best to bring them.
“With [Harvey] Barnes it was different. I knew before my first camp that he was different, the two other lads (Gray and Hackney) are young lads, it’s a long way away.
“It will always be up to them (current players) to be the priority.”
It is certainly an interesting approach - one that is career-changing for the player depending on what he does - and suggests that Hackney is doing something right, but how does the player feel about his international future?
What did Hackney say about his international future?
Hackney is faced with an interesting dilemma, as he previously won two caps for Scotland's Under-21 side, who he qualifies for through his mother.
He did not shut the door on a potential switch when asked about it in 2025, admitting that he was just focused on club football.
Hackney said: “There will be a time where I’ll have to make a decision.
“I’ve been focused on Middlesbrough really, so I haven’t really had much time to think about it.”
Speaking in September 2026, though, his ambition was a bit clearer, as he mentioned James Garner's ascension to the squad and how he wants to emulate that.
He said: “I think you look at Jimmy and he went on loan to the Championship twice and then came to Everton, and he’s proved himself in a Premier League team.
“He’s gone on to play for England, as well, you can only look at what he’s done and then hope to follow in the same path as him.”
Based on those comments, it seems like Pocognoli may struggle to convince him that his future lies with Scotland.
However, given that he has not been given a sniff by Tuchel, he may well decide to make the switch if the exodus continues.
It remains to be seen what he does at international level, but his focus should be on earning a permanent starting berth for David Moyes' side.
All the other stuff will work out one way or the other, as long as he is performing on the pitch.