Boyle: I can’t wait to star for Oz at the Asian Cup .. it’s like Scotland at Euros so missing derby is worth the sacrifice

NEW Socceroo Martin Boyle has sparked an international incident but insists being forced to miss the festive derby with Hearts is a sacrifice worth making.

The Hibs wideman will never grace a major finals with Scotland so reckons starring in the Asian Cup with Australia is the next best thing.

Boyle plus clubmates Jamie Maclaren and Mark Milligan are at the centre of a club v country row having been called up by Australia for the showpiece tourney which starts on January 6.

That rules the trio out of the December 29 derby at Easter Road unless the Aussie FA relent.

But having only made his debut for the Aussies last month then scoring a double on his first start against Lebanon, Boyle isn’t about to rock the boat by BY ANTHONY HAGGERTY asking for special treatment. He loves few things more than a ding-dong battle with the Jambos before the bells but this time his international ambitions come first.

Asked if he was enjoying being embroiled in a club v country tug of war, Boyle said: “It’s good! It’s very challenging at the moment but I wouldn’t change it for the world. “It’s disappointing to miss the New Year derby as it’s a massive game. “But it’s a sacrifice that has to be made. “The clubs and the country have been talking to each other and as far as I’m aware the decision’s been made. We would like to play but would all have to have a sit down. “We’re disappointed to miss such a big game but we’re going to play in a major tournament for our country.

“I’m honoured to be called up. It’s the equivalent of Scotland in the Euros.

“I didn’t know until a few days ago I had been called up.

“You just wait by your phone for the call and when it came I was ecstatic.

“It will be brilliant and I can’t wait. Australia are holders and expectations are high. We don’t want to let that trophy go easily.”

Meanwhile, Hibs boss Neil Lennon isn’t taking Livi lightly today after being caught out by the top-flight shocktroops in September.

The Northern Irishman was highly critical of his men after that 2-1 loss and is full of praise for the job Gary Holt is doing in West Lothian.

Lennon’s men have taken four points from the Old Firm this week and he’s demanding they don’t let standards slip.

He said: “Livingston have had a meteoric rise and their promotion last season was outstanding. They are now flying in the Premiership and need to be respected.

“We have set a good bar in recent games and want to keep that going.

“In hindsight Livingston is a very difficult place to win at this season and that has been proved as they have only lost one game at home.

“We took the lead at their place and were controlling the game then let our defensive standards drop and they scored two good individual goals. They are very capable at this level.”