Returned from the international stage and prepared to return to his preferred position on the right flank, Martin Boyle is full of enthusiasm and eager to take on Celtic at Easter Road this evening. The Socceroos star is desperate to vent his anger on someone after losing to Australia in the Asian Cup quarterfinals.
After Friday’s loss to South Korea in Qatar, Boyle revealed how mercilessly effective the return-to-club routine had become. “The flights got sent to us straight away, we knew exactly when we’d be home,” Boyle said. All I attempted to do was return as soon as possible.
After the game, most of the lads took off about one in the morning. Attentions shift so quickly, and Lewis and I experienced the same thing (Miller). We were eager to get back together with the lads and begin the Celtic match preparations.
“We have a fantastic opportunity tomorrow. Many individuals may feel differently about it, but we know what needs to be done. We need to take action; we need to flee. It’s been wonderful for me to be back with the family and the children. I cherished the chance that was presented to me, but I become distracted easily.
While Boyle admitted that his first proper taste of tournament had exceeded all expectations, Miller’s experience in Qatar ended on the lowest of lows. Two rash tackles after being thrown on as a late substitute effectively cost Australia a place in the semifinals.
Boyle said: “I tried to help as much as possible. It wasn’t great after the game. Social media can be horrible at times – but people are entitled to their own opinion. Sometimes it can go a bit heavy.
“It was a mistake that wasn’t intended. Passions are flying in the game, and he thought he could win the challenge. It didn’t work out but there will be plenty more opportunities for him. This is probably the best thing for him, getting into a game like this. He’s normally performed really well against Celtic. Hopefully he can do that tomorrow.
“Obviously after the South Korea game the messages came rolling in. It’s hard. I wasn’t really getting direct messages like that.
“I just gave him a bit of encouragement to stay off it for a bit and keep the head down, maybe phone the family and get some support from other people and the manager here. We’ve all came back and given him a big cuddle and he’s raring to go. He can’t wait to get the Hibs shirt back on.”
Boyle is equally keen to get involved, having kept a close eye on his club even while in camp with the Socceroos, the winger admitting: “I watched all the games I could. I couldn’t watch the Forfar game – Hibs TV weren’t showing it – and I was flying back for the St Mirren game. I’ve watched the game review with the lads in the meeting room and dissected that down.
“Since you play for that team and this is my team, it’s clearly not ideal. However, I tried to give my all to the national team, without being conceited. I’m thinking about it in the background now that I’m back. I can’t wait to go.
“I was in constant communication. Many of the boys entered, and several went out. I’ve experienced everything before—I’ve departed and returned to fresh players. I’ve entered a game head-on without really knowing any of the other participants. I consider it normal, and I think everyone else should too. All we have to do is come together as a group. We must put all into it in the hopes of turning the corner.
Admitting that it would be “inexcusable” if Hibs don’t qualify for European football via the Scottish Premiership, Boyle understands the situation better than most. He’s just relieved to be back and contributing to the cause. Especially if it entails a return to happier territory.
Deployed as a stand-in striker for most of the games before he jetted off to Qatar, Boyle watched with interest as Emiliano Marcondes, Eliezer Mayenda and Myziane Maolida joined Hibs during the January window. Adam le Fondre returning to full fitness is another bonus.
Boyle said that he had discussed going back to a more conventional winger position with manager Nick Montgomery, saying, “I like to stand players up, I like to be creative and make runs in behind.” With the additions we’ve made, maybe we can get Dylan Vente back on track, back to his best, and scoring goals the way we know he can.
“Hopefully, rather than leaving him on his own, us wide guys can provide him opportunities and come near to him. That is something we must begin immediately.
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