‘Boyle’s derby heroics will help Hibs bond’

ELIE YOUAN believes the wild celebrations that greeted Martin Boyle’s dramatic derby leveller against Hearts last weekend can propel Hibernian to the next level as a team. In the wake of Sunday’s stoppage-time equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Easter Road, Hearts sub Toby Sibbick accused his club’s city foes of partying like they had ‘won the league or a trophy’. Youan, who set up the goal for Boyle, had never met his new team-mate prior to his stunning return from Saudi Arabian side Al-Faisaly on the morning of the match. But the Frenchman believes the scenes that greeted the Australian international’s late strike will help the team bond further after a difficult start under new boss Lee Johnson. ‘I think it can help because we are a young team with a lot of new players, myself included,’ said Youan, 23, ahead of today’s Premiership trip to Livingston. ‘At full-time, some players were excited and others were angry. Not angry about the result but angry at ourselves, because if we had played like we played at the end for the whole 90 minutes, we could have won the match.

‘But that goal has brought us closer together. I saw the images after the goal and it is very important as a team to have these kind of feelings. ‘It was the first game I have played with Martin Boyle and it was perfect. I have been told he scored a lot of goals here before and that he was one of the best strikers the club has had. ‘With his experience, he can help me and the team as well. Our partnership will only get better and better, so I am excited for the games we have coming up.’ Hibs boss Johnson predicts big things for the pacy Youan (left), saying if he can reach his potential he will have ‘a very wealthy life in his retirement’. The former St Gallen attacker, who claims he is even quicker than Boyle, believes he will thrive under the guidance of the Hibs manager. ‘I am used to hearing managers talking similarly about my strengths because I run a lot and I’m fast,’ he said. ‘But this gaffer is different. He is really interested in my life outside of football as well and he regularly WhatsApps me. ‘We have a good relationship and, when I want to talk about something, I can go to his office. His door is always open and I think I will do well here working with him.’