Hibs’ Head Coach Neil Lennon insists that striker Martin Boyle has done himself no harm with his outstanding ‘man of the match’ performance in last weekend’s 2-0 victory over St Mirren at Easter Road.
Most supporters were surprised that Lennon chose the former Dundee and Montrose player ahead of top scorer Jason Cummings to replace the injured James Keatings up front however he more than justified his selection with a stunning opening goal in the 7th minute.
Although Lennon was full of praise for the youngster’s contribution, he has now challenged him to maintain that form for the remainder of the season.
Speaking to Hibs TV, Lennon said: “Martin was outstanding last week, with one of the best individual performances I have seen this season and I just hoped he can maintain it. He has done himself no harm.
“He was bright, strong and energetic and his movement was good. His touch was good and his workrate was fantastic and it gave the whole team a lift.
“Martin has proved what he is capable of and it’s just a question of whether he can maintain that consistency throughout the season.
“We see him more of a central attacking player and we gave him the opportunity because on the back of his performance coming on against Dunfermline he deserved to start and he has proved that.”
Lennon also claimed to be looking forward to tomorrow’s game against Ayr United and revealed that he and the players are looking for revenge following the 2-0 defeat to the Honest men at home a few weeks ago.
He continued: “Ayr United are the only team to have beaten us this season in the league.
“I think, off the back of two very good wins we are looking forward to the game very much.
“There will be extra motivation following the defeat at Easter road and we want to put that right and maintain our position at the top of the Championship.
“The players should be confident the way they are playing. The second half at Dunfermline especially and I thought we were excellent at Easter Road last week.
“We’re playing well creating chances and scoring really good goals – I can’t really ask much more of the team.
“The confidence is good and I think there is an opportunity that we can open up a gap.
“Dundee United have another tough game. This will be tough for us obviously but our away form has been good for us this season.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
