Martin Boyle hoping to feature for Hibs at Hampden

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!”