Martin Boyle on how Hibs star responded to dream international call (2025)

Nectar Triantis flew around their training centre high-fiving team-mates after getting a text confirming his first senior call-up

Martin Boyle reckons a Socceroos kick up the backside was the springboard for his Hibs season to take off.

The Australia ace admits he walked away from the last international camp in November with a point to prove having been put on the bench for the World Cup qualifying draw against Bahrain and left out the squad for the draw with Saudi Arabia.

Boyle returned to Leith and got his head down. Since then he has hit nine goals as David Gray’s side have gone 15 league games unbeaten to storm into third spot.

That form saw Boyle reinstated in the Aussies’ starting XI for the 5-1 win over Indonesia last week – and the attacker responded with the opening goal and two assists.

Ahead of tonight’s clash with China in Hangzhou, Boyle said of the snub: “I definitely walked away with a point to prove. Maybe it was a kick up the backside, maybe I wasn’t performing to the best of my capabilities – and I certainly got told that.

“I had to go back to club level and work on and off the park tirelessly.

“It was definitely an eye-opener. Thankfully, I managed to get back to my best and catch the eye again. Long may it continue. I know I’m playing well but I want to be achieving more. I want to maintain that level and produce more results on and off the pitch. I’m contributing goals and assists again, at club level and international, which is perfect.”

Boyle was subbed at half-time in the win over Indonesia after complaining of a tight groin. But he has allayed fears over the injury, saying: “No issues at all.

“These things happen in football. Precaution at that point was probably needed and we were 3-0 at half-time. It suited me, it suited everyone else. So it was perfect and there are no dramas.”

Meanwhile, Boyle revealed fellow Hibee Nectar Triantis flew around their training centre high-fiving team-mates after getting a text confirming his first senior call-up to Tony Popovic’s Aussie side. The on-loan Sunderland midfielder was rewarded for his form at club level

Boyle said: “I am absolutely delighted for him. I was there when he got the message, he was buzzing.

“Normally the guys give him a high-five in the dressing room, but it was him – he was flying around the dressing room giving other people high-fives!

“You could see the excitement in his face. He phoned his mum straight away and for that delight, I’m ecstatic for him.

“It’s fully deserved for what he has done at Hibs. He’s still a young boy. He’s got a lot to learn but I think bringing him into this environment after the way he’s been playing, it’s perfect.

“You can get an idea of how we want to play, the style that we play, and it’s a big learning curve for him. So obviously you have to remain patient but I’m sure if called upon he will take his opportunity.”

Triantis, meanwhile, has paid tribute to the Hibs fans for helping push him on to the international stage. He’s been dubbed the ‘Aussie Rodri’ by punters for his displays in the holding midfield role.

Triantis said: “That’s probably one of the best compliments you can get. That love from the fans really pushes me on.

“The manager (Popovic) has just said to continue believing in myself. I just have to keep my head down and keep working hard until I get that opportunity.”