Hibernian have received a boost ahead of November’s Betfred Cup semi-final meeting with Celtic as Martin Boyle confirmed he should be back in time.
The right-winger was sidelined for the second-half of last season after damaging knee ligaments during an Asian Cup warm-up match with Australia.
He actually played in the early stages of the season for Hibs in Betfred Cup encounters. Unfortunately, however, his damage came back to haunt him as he was forced to sit out pending an operation.
But, out of nowhere, Boyle has responded to a Hibs supporter on Twitter about when he will be back in action. And, according to the Hibs man, he’ll be ready for the end of the next international break which kicks into effect after next weekend’s Premiership fixtures.
https://twitter.com/MartinBoyle9/status/1178002677122269185
It’s highly unlikely that Boyle just gets rushed back into action. However, if he returns after the break, he’ll have two weeks to prepare for the cup semi-final against Celtic.
Hibs have struggled for quality down the right since Boyle was sidelined. The likes of Scott Allan and Daryl Horgan have both been shoehorned in there in the past. However, having Boyle back would give Hibs some reliability in the position.
Boyle has also netted against Celtic in the past. He scored against Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic side under Neil Lennon during a 4-2 success at Parkhead last season for the Hoops.
Should be a win for Celtic regardless
He offers Hibs pace and a genuine goal threat from the wide areas. If he’s fit, it will make our job of knocking them out a little bit more difficult. However, as we found out yesterday, it won’t be an easy task in any case.
It could still be the case that Paul Heckingbottom (if he manages to stay on) decides to leave Boyle out upon returning. It all depends on his fitness levels. Getting his match-sharpness back could take a bit of time.
But between his apparent comeback and the Celtic match, Hibs have three games to get Boyle up to speed.
Regardless, it looks as though he’ll be available if Heckingbottom wants him.
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