Irvine says fellow Aussie has reached new level

HIBERNIAN V ST JOHNSTONE

JACKSON IRVINE watched Martin Boyle immediately ingratiate himself with the Australia squad when the Hibernian winger joined up with the Socceroos for the first time.

Having now played alongside his compatriot for nearly four months in Leith, Irvine insists Boyle has taken his game to a new level.

An impressive goals from 13 return games of 10 from

Boyle is part of the reason that Scottish Cup semi-finalists Hibs find themselves within touching distance of a third place finish in the Premiership.

Throw in the fact he has 11 assists to his name as well and the 28-year-old is enjoying one of his most successful campaigns.

Australia team-mate Irvine, who joined in January after previously being at Hull City, insists the fleet-footed forward is going from strength to strength.

Irvine said: “Martin is on form. Maybe me coming here gave him a bit of a boost as well. I feel we have a very good understanding, me and Boyley, and he has shown his levels all season but particularly of late.

“He has been very, very difficult to play against. He has had to play a variety of positions, up front, off the right hand side and as a wing-back. He has so many attributes that he can bring to the game but that raw pace is a problem for anyone.”

Meanwhile, Callum Davidson admits he has got a battle on his hands to keep St Johnstone’s band of shock troops together.

The McDiarmid Park men have already lifted the Betfred Cup and made it into the top six this season.

Now they are looking to double up on that achievement by winning the Scottish Cup and booking a place in Europe.

Asked if Saints’ exploits in both cups could help attract new stars, the Perth boss said: “Probably the opposite. Teams will probably be in looking to take my players.

“You’ve got players who are playing really well and will get rewarded for it, quite rightly so. My battle is to balance it off.”