Martin Boyle claims ‘assist’ in Socceroos late equaliser against Korea Republic

Hibs midfielder Martin Boyle is desperate to repay the faith shown in him by coach Graham Arnold after turning down advances from Scotland to play for the nation his father was born in.

Boyle played a key role in Australia’s equaliser in a 1-1 friendly draw with Korea Republic in Brisbane on Saturday evening.

After Tom Rogic’s long-range shot was parried by Korea Republic goalkeeper Kim Seung-Gyu, Boyle demonstrated his quick reactions by getting to the ball first and helping set up Massimo Luongo’s last-gasp equaliser.

After the game Boyle told www.socceroos.com.au “I was very honoured (to play)

“For the gaffer just to throw me on, he’s given me a right good chance here and I want to grab it with two hands.

“The lads were great out there and they’ve been great with me since I walked in the door.

“And hopefully I can show more glimpses like that on the pitch.

“He’s [Arnold] been brilliant with me since I walked in the door and I want to give everything for this country.

“He says I was going to score – so he was not far away. I’m claiming that assist!”

Boyle may get another chance to impress when the Caltex Socceroos host Lebanon in Sydney on Tuesday before returning to face his former side Dundee at Easter Road on Saturday.