After his goal-scoring comeback from a long-term injury Hibs’ midfielder Martin Boyle is hoping to feature against Neil Lennon’s Celtic in the Betfred Cup semi-final on Saturday.
An injury in a League Cup group match against Elgin City in July has prevented him playing since and his presence has been sorely missed as Hibs dropped to second bottom place in the table and he received a standing ovation fom the fans when he came on as a substitute on Wednesday.
His last minute equaliser sparked wild celebrations from the fans but now all eyes are on Hampden and the speed-merchant anticipates a tough 90-minutes.
After the final whistle Boyle said: “It’s going to be some task for us, let’s not kid ourselves. They are flying at the moment. I hope I’ve done enough to be involved but that’s up to the manager to pick the team. If I’m in it, then I’ll give everything that I’ve got.”
Boyle admitted that his recovery has been tough, particularly since Hibs have been under-performing this season and now he is determined to help move the club upwards in the table.
He continued: “It’s been hell, watching all the games and feeling down. It ruins my weekend as well. I’m a bubbly character but it’s not like I would go home as happy as Larry.
“But you need to come in day after day, do your rehab and get through it.
“ I feel really lucky to be in this position as a professional football player and the physio I received from the staff, Rory Monks, Tommy Scanlon and Nathan Ring.
“ I really trust that team and they’ve got me back out there. If there are any positives, then it’s that maybe I’ve bulked up and am coming back stronger.”
Boyle is married to Hibs’ Ladies star Rachael and the couple have a baby daughter Amelia, who is now 14-months old.
“Having the birth of my daughter and coming home to spend that time with her made things much more bearable.
“I was quite lucky in the sense that I had a new-born just before I got injured, so I had the wee one keep me on my toes. Rachel has been banging in the goals as well.
“I’ve basically been a WAG, going along watching her play football and I’m holding the baby!”
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.
