Hibernian could fast-track Martin Boyle in ahead of Celtic clash

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Martin Boyle’s fitness levels can’t be great, but Hibernian still appear open to throwing him in for Saturday’s Betfred Cup semi-final.

Boyle has been missing after undergoing his second knee surgery of the year. This dates back all the way to when he was on international duty with Australia during the winter break last season. Boyle then missed the entire second-half of last season.

This year, he did return briefly as he played three matches in the Betfred Cup group stages. His knee then flared up again and he’s continued to miss every league game so far.

Yet, despite the fact he’s yet to play a single game since the early Betfred matches, Hibs assistant boss Robbie Stockdale has admitted the club could toss him in for Saturday. Speaking to the Scotsman, this is what he had to say:

“Martin has been out a long time with two nasty injuries. There is always a temptation to put players back in as soon as you can.

“I think we have a responsibility and a wellness issue to him, that we have to do it properly by him even although we would love to have him involved.

“Come back to me on Thursday.”

Hibs shouldn’t even be considering this

Stockdale actually touches on exactly why Boyle shouldn’t start in his comments here. He simply isn’t ready yet, and given he hasn’t played any football for several months, it’s a massive risk.

Make no mistake, Boyle hasn’t been featuring for the Hibs development side either. It’s not as though he’s been playing regularly at a smaller level. The Australian international has instead been recovering and building up his fitness levels.

But Boyle will seriously lack match-sharpness. He’s just come off his second knee surgery of the year. It would be mad to chuck him into a high-profile game such as this one.

This is also a contest that could have a bit of spark and aggression to it. Hibs still feel hard done by for what happened when we went to Easter Road. Celtic, meanwhile, also should’ve had a couple of penalties that infuriated our supporters.

If this is high-octane stuff at Hampden this weekend, surely Hibs won’t entertain throwing Boyle back into action.

This screams like a move of desperation. Something Paul Heckingbottom wouldn’t do if he wasn’t under severe pressure. Celtic certainly won’t fear him if he starts, but it could seriously back-fire on Hibs if they give it a go.