Lennon singing the praises of Boyle as Hibs hit back for a point

HIBERNIAN head coach Neil Lennon praised the “outstanding” Martin Boyle after the winger set up his side’s equaliser in a 1-1 draw with St Johnstone.

Boyle terrorised Saints leftback Scott Tanser in the first half and created a number of chances which Hibs could not put away, and the visitors found themselves a goal down at the break after Tony Watt’s effort deflected in off Ryan Porteous.

But the former Dundee man’s persistence paid off as he sent in a teasing cross which bounced behind the Saints defence and allowed Oli Shaw to head his second goal of the Ladbrokes Premiership season six minutes into the second half.

Lennon said of Boyle: “He’s a good player. He was fantastic last year and he’s been a revelation this year. I thought he was outstanding.

“We are unbeaten in seven games since the start of the season, so I’ve got to be pleased with that, but I’m disappointed we haven’t won the game.”

Saints boss Tommy Wright was delighted to see summer signing Watt hit his third goal of the season.

“Someone said it had been put down as an OG. I haven’t seen it back,” Wright said. “But that’s what he does well — he will shoot on sight.

“It was a decent strike, whether it was deflected or not, but I’m pleased for him to get his first league goal and obviously it’s a good point for us.

“They are a quality team and we matched them, particularly in the second half.”