'That's what we're looking for' - How Martin Boyle has vindicated Hibs coach's faith in him

Manager Jack Ross has previously joked about the bromance between his Easter Road sidekick John Potter and Australian international winger Martin Boyle.

Hibs forward Martin Boyle (left) and assistant manager John Potter were all smiles during a training seassion earlier this season. Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group

The Hibs assistant manager, who has been delegated responsibility for set pieces and penalties by the gaffer, turned to the ebullient forward when others squandered their opportunities.

And Boyle rewarded him with his first, against Hamilton in December, and has added another two in the recent games.

“We had a conversation and he said he was a wee bit nervous before the first one,” revealed Potter. “But he wanted to take it and that’s a few he’s had now.

“He’s confident in front of goal and he’s a good finisher so when it comes to penalties you go with that.

“At the moment he’s scoring them and long may it continue.”

Recapturing his best form, he has contributed more than spot kicks in recent weeks, netting four goals in total in the last three games and proving his attacking threat.

“He’s played in a slightly different position up front with Christian [Doidge] and we have created a few more chances as well.

“Martin has had a really good season, he started really well then had a dip as we probably all did as a team, when we had a lot off the boil at the same time. But hopefully we have worked our way through that now. We have a good squad and that has been really important.

“Martin has come back up and he’s always going to be a threat, even when he’s not playing well, because of his pace and he’s a good finisher as well. He’s had a couple of issues he has had to work through this season but he is in fine form and hopefully that can continue.”

One of those issues was the worry prompted by his father’s sudden illness but the 27-year-old channelled his emotions into his football, earning the admiration of his coaches and team-mates.

“Yeah, it’s a difficult time for him and his family. Players go through the same as everybody else but he’s been wanting to play. Hopefully things in his home life are getting better. But in here he’s continued to be bubbly and lively, he’s trained well, played well and he’s scoring goals. That’s what we’re looking for.”

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