SHAUN SHINING
Boyle ready for box-office appointment
MARTIN BOYLE’S knowledge of Shaun Maloney has all been gleaned off the box.
But the Hibs winger is hoping the chance to play for the former Celtic and Scotland ace can boost his understanding around the box.
Maloney is closing in on becoming the new boss at Easter Road and Boyle is in no doubt it’s a big deal.
The 38-year-old has spent the last three years working with Roberto Martinez and Thierry Henry as a coach for the world’s No.1 national team, Belgium.
But it is as much his career at the top of the game that excites Boyle, who remembers watching on the telly as the winger terrorised defences playing for Scotland, Celtic, Aston Villa, Wigan and Hull.
Boyle said: “He is a big name, he’s done well with the Belgian national side. It’s a big name being attracted to the club, which is great, and those are the people you want to play under.
“I have never crossed paths with Shaun Maloney, I just watched a lot of him on telly when I was younger. “We will see what happens in the next few days.
“I could learn a lot off him. He will have his own ideas
and I’m sure if he does become the manager, then everyone
will be buying into what he wants to bring to the club.
“I’ve played under different managers and adapted to how they wanted to play, which has been a positive. This will be no different.”
Maloney won’t be in charge at Hampden for Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup Final against Celtic.
Instead, David Gray will take command for a third game and Boyle reckons Hibs are in good shape for a crack at silverware.
The hero of the semi-final against Rangers – thanks to a 30-minute hat-trick – can’t wait to get back on the expansive turf at the National Stadium, even though he’s not netted in six games since.
That run coincided with a rotten run, which ultimately cost Jack Ross his job after last week’s 1-0 defeat at Livingston during which Boyle blazed a spot-kick over the bar.
The Australia star admits sadness at the end of Ross’ reign.
But he’ll be grabbing the ball if Hibs win a penalty against the Hoops in Mount Florida.
He said: “Cup finals don’t come around too often, so we are all looking to go there and grasp the opportunity to lift silverware. Sunday will be great.
“After the hat-trick against Rangers the goals have fizzled out a bit – I wasted them in one game!
“But I’m happy playing, creating chances for the team and the last few games I have managed a few assists.
“It wasn’t ideal against Livingston. Missing the penalty, these things happen.
“You can go on a run of scoring penalties but then
defining moments like that, we wouldn’t necessarily have gone on to win but we also had chances, which was frustrating.
“The way we played, we knew it wasn’t good enough. It’s just the way it is at the moment and it was a bit sad the way it ended.
“I certainly hope I’m on the next penalty! I will definitely be grabbing the ball.”
Boyle looked back to his best as Hibs beat Dundee 1-0 at Easter Road on Tuesday to ensure they head to Hampden with a spring in their step.
A trademark blistering run from deep inside his own half to set up Paul McMullan’s own goal was the highlight and the 28-year-old added: “It was good to raise the spirits ahead of the final with a win and it’s about recovery now, sleeping well and see what Sunday holds.
“I feel like I’ve had a positive start to the season and am playing well. I like playing out wide, taking the ball on a run, getting at people and creating chances.
“We showed in spells against Dundee what we can do, the first half especially.”