Jordan Rhodes' Middlesbrough promotion was 'everything that you dream of as a child'

Jordan Rhodes has described winning promotion during his short spell at Middlesbrough as 'everything that you dream of as a child'.

Rhodes became a cult hero at the Riverside after joining Aitor Karanka's promotion charge in January 2016 from Blackburn Rovers. The striker scored six goals in 18 appearances - some of which were vital in securing important points to help Boro on their way back to the Premier League.

And while the now-Blackpool striker would make only six appearances in the top flight before departing Teesside - initially to join Sheffield Wednesday on loan before a permanent switch in the summer of 2017, just 18 months after joining Boro - the 34-year-old ultimately looks back on his time at the club with real fondness.

READ MORE: Aden Flint has 'no regrets' after £7m move to 'massive club' Middlesbrough didn't work out

Speaking to Teesside Live via Sky Bet, Rhodes said: “My half-season at Middlesbrough was everything that you dream of as a child. Getting promoted to the Premier League felt like fulfilling that dream, which all came together in the first four months of being there.

“I was signed on deadline day in the January transfer window. To have gone up in dramatic style, was incredible. I remember there were a few games where we won matches in the last minute of games, so we almost did it the hard way.

“It was great to put on the Boro shirt, especially with my teammates at the time, and it was great to see the town so elated for being back in the Premier League.”

Now 34, Rhodes clearly hasn't lost his goalscoring touch either. Having joined Blackpool on loan from Huddersfield Town last summer, he currently has 15 goals in League One this season, with the Tangerines currently ninth, but just three points outside the play-off places.