Eoin Doyle vows to dig deep for Hibs goals

EOIN DOYLE has insisted he is still hopeful of getting among the goals this season, despite having been pulled from Hibs’ frontline by boss Pat Fenlon.

The 24-year-old was a proflific striker with Sligo Rovers but since his move to Easter Road at the beginning of the year his return has been more modest, although each of his goals has proved important, not least Hibs’ second in the 4-0 win over Dunfermline in the penultimate match of the SPL season which secured the Capital club’s place in the top flight.

However, Doyle has featured wide on the left during Hibs’ pre-season matches, with Leigh Griffiths having been handed the No 9 shirt on his return on loan from Wolves, and operating as a lone striker in Fenlon’s favoured 4-2-3-1 formation.

Doyle, though, was adamant he has no problems with being asked to play as a wide man, declaring it was “no big deal”.

He said: “Over the years I have played in that position quite a lot and the gaffer has obviously seen me playing since I was about ten and seen me playing a lot of positions.

“It’s no big deal for me to try to adjust to it. I am looking forward to the season whatever position I play. It does not really bother me.”

Having struggled to hold down a regular first-team slot during his first six months in Edinburgh, Doyle admitted his first aim was simply to nail down a place in Fenlon’s starting X1 – and then keep it – although he has been delighted by the amount of game time he has enjoyed in pre-season.

He said: “I’ve played a few games and got a good few minutes under my belt, so hopefully I’ll come in against Dundee United and help produce a win.

“I’m hoping to get into the side, to keep my place and chip in with a few goals from deep.”