Kenny is ready to pitch in
And winger Martin Boyle has the bruises to prove it. His team-mates celebrated Thursday’s comprehensive 6-1 victory that effectively settled their first Europa League qualifier ahead of this week’s return in Toftir.
But Boyle was just relieved to still be in one piece.
The Hibees wide boy endured brutal treatment from the tough-tackling parttimers, especially hulking left-back Einar Trondargjogv – who had the physique and the temperament of a particularly ill-tempered Juniors defender.
The NSI man, who had already given away a penalty to allow Florian Kamberi to open the scoring, was ordered off by ref Manfredas Lukjancukas after just 30 minutes for a wild challenge on Boyle.
With the part-timers down to 10 men, Hibs ran riot as Kamberi notched a hat-trick, debutant Stevie Mallan bagged a brace and Oli Shaw also scored.
Although he did not get his own name on the scoresheet Boyle was irrepressible on the right flank, dusting himself off after every scything challenge before embarking on yet another mazy run.
“The boy [Trondargjogv] has taken my foot back home to the Faroe Islands with him,” Boyle joked.
“Fortunately I saw him coming in so I thought ‘Brace yourself’ – but my team-mate [Vykintas Slivka] didn’t help me out with a slow ball!
“They were physical – my legs have taken a beating.
“It’s part and parcel of the game sometimes, you’ve got to take hits.
“You just have to get up, brush them off and try to go again. I’m used to that by now.
“There’s not much I can do about it anyway – I’m just a wee guy. Hopefully the rest of the team can back me up!
“We knew NSI were part-time and that they would be big and physical. We were always going to need to stand our ground.
“But we also knew if we passed the ball the way we can and set our own tempo, they’d struggle, which is how it played out.
“We didn’t take them for granted. We played well, moved the ball quickly and got our goals.
“The main thing is everyone is in good health and we’re buzzing for next week.”
It is a case of ‘no pain, no gain’ for Boyle
Sunday Mail
who can begin to cast his eye towards what promises to be a more testing tie against Greek side Asteras Tripolis in the second qualifying round.
Asteras finished fifth in their domestic league last season and reached the Europa League group phase in consecutive campaigns from 2014 to 2016.
Led by Michalis Manias, the Greece international striker who scored 11 goals last term, Asteras have a swathe of players infinitely more dangerous than those possessed by NSI.
And the Greeks will have 33 degree temperatures to their advantage at home.
Boyle said: “If we get through it will be a bigger test but that’s why we fought so hard to get here. That’s what Neil Lennon was emphasising – you don’t want to put to waste all your hard work last season by going out early.
“We want to have a good run at the Europa League.
“Different climates and conditions will be factors. If we get to Greece it will be hot but I’m sure we’ll get a few training sessions to adapt. We’re in a good position and we can’t wait.” Indeed, the confidence in the Hibs camp is palpable.
The party line is they are aiming for the group phase, a feat not achieved in a European tournament by any club out-with Celtic and Rangers since Aberdeen did it in 2007- 08.
Boyle said: “We believe in ourselves and are ambitious.
“I don’t see any reason why we should change our attitude and mentality now.
“It ’ s st i l l early in our pre-season too so we need to work hard and keep getting fitter and stronger. Then we’ll see where that takes us.”
If Hibs are to embark on a sensational run to the group phase, there is no doubt Swiss marksman Kamberi will be pivotal.
His treble against Runavik saw him become the first man since Alan Gordon in 1973 to notch a hat-trick for the club in European competition.
He has picked up where he left off last season after the Hibees shelled out £100,000 to make his loan deal from Grasshoppers permanent.
Boyle added: “Flo has been brilliant. The club have set ambitious targets and it’s a statement of intent to get him back.
“He’s a great signing after what he achieved last year. He’s already flying so hopefully that can continue.”
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Kenny Mi l ler ins ist s Livingston’s new plastic pitch wi l l pose him no problems – but could put his rivals at a disadvantage.
The West Lothian side are laying a 4G surface at the Tony Macaroni Arena, becoming the third topflight side to have installed an artifical pitch.
Hami lton Accies and Kilmarnock already have the plastic surface and new Lions player- boss Miller reckons his body will be able to withstand any additional strain caused by the pitch.
The 38-year- old veteran experienced a similar turf during his two-year spell in Canada at Vancouver Whitecaps.
And he insists he has no objections to the move.
He said: “Touch wood, I’ve been pretty fortunate with injuries throughout my career and I’ve experienced playing on plastic pitches.
“Vancouver had an artificial surface.
“Then here you’ve got it at Hamilton, Kilmarnock and in the Championship at Falkirk, Queen of the South and Alloa.
“So I’ve had experience of playing on it and I’ve been at a club that plays on it too.
“It can be an advantage and there are definitely benefits to the football club as well.
“I know some people are against them and that they are different to grass.
“There is absolutely no getting away from that.
“But we wi l l have the opportunity to work on the new surface and get used to it on a daily basis – so we can use it to our advantage.”
The club last week blamed a delay in completing the installation work with the pitch manufacturer in the Netherlands.
Livingston are now set to play their first game of the league season at the Tony Macroni Arena against Kilmarnock on August 11.
Their upcoming Betfred Cup home matches with Annan and Berwick Rangers have been switched to junior side Linl ithgow Rose’s Prestonfield ground.
A club spokesman said: “This is an unfortunate situation but one that is totally out of our hands.”