Hibs’ Head Coach Neil Lennon is delighted that winger Martin Boyle is attracting attention from both Australia and Scotland.
Boyle has scored two goals and provided five assists from his 13 games this term was on great form in Tuesday’s Betfred Cup quarter-final against Aberdeen, creating a number of chances and seeing two goals disallowed.
Australia’s manager Graham Arnold was at East Mains two-weeks ago speaking to Jamie MacLaren and Mark Milligan and took time to discuss the prospect of a call up with Boyle whilst Alex McLeish will name his squad for next month’s UEFA Nations League Group C1 encounter against Israel and subsequent friendly against Portugal on Monday.
When asked about Boyle’s future, Lennon said: “I wouldn’t rule Scotland out of it just yet.I think Graham (Arnold) got a run on it two weeks ago but I know there is interest from Scotland as well and I am delighted. Maybe it will be down to his own personal preference.
“I’m delighted that he is getting the recognition he deserves for his performances over the last couple of years. You just have to watch this space as I don’t know what the outcome is going to be. It’s fantastic recognition for him if he gets called up by either Australia or Scotland.
“If you look at his performances in the premiership over the last couple of years, he is one of the best wingers in the country at this level. Will he go into the international environment and prosper? I hope so.
“He is a good kid and he is willing to learn. There has been a vast improvement in his mentality and physicality as well. He certainly has the equipment to play international football with his athleticism and cardio vascular and his pace is a real asset to have for any team.
“I think there is more to come. I think there are more goals in him. I think he can improve on his decision making. If he did that he wouldn’t be at Hibs he would be playing at the highest level.
“His movement on and off the ball is fantastic and his dribbling. I’m delighted with the progress he is making and I am delighted for him because he has worked very hard at his game.
“He has been an absolute star in the time I have been here.
“We decided very early on that he would be in our thoughts. he has improved a lot. When I first came in he was on his backside a lot which annoyed me so he has learned to ride tackles a lot better, stay on his feet and get beyond people and he has been a real force for us.”
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.
