Boyce out to miss his daughter’s birthday...
LIAM BOYCE endured professional anguish when Northern Ireland overlooked him for their unforgettable Euro 2016 adventure. However, the personal euphoria it allowed him to experience was unparalleled.
The 29- year- old missed out on a place in Michael O’Neill’s squad for the finals after suffering a dip in form with Ross County. Will Grigg – famously “on fire’ at the time” – was the logical choice.
However, there was nothing to dilute the sweetness when his daughter, Scout, was born on June 12, 2016 – the day Northern Ireland opened their campaign against Poland.
Scout will celebrate her fifth birthday during the next European Championships and this time her dad fully intends to be a major part of Ian Baraclough’s group, providing they can see off Slovakia in Thursday night’s play- off final.
“I missed out on the last Euros so, although Northern Ireland have reached a tournament, I’m like Scotland, I haven’t been to one yet,” laughed Boyce, speaking after Hearts’ 2- 1 Championship win against Inverness on Saturday. I’m hoping we get through this time and I can keep scoring goals and force my way in.
“In 2016, I dipped off at the tail end of the season and I didn’t get selected so I’m trying not to leave it up to chance this time. It was disappointing not to be picked but I didn’t really have an argument. Will Grigg scored 40 or something that season! If I had kept my own form up I’m sure I would have been there so I can only blame myself.
“It was bittersweet [ watching Northern Ireland there] so I would love to be involved next year. However, the first game in that Euros was the day my daughter was born, so thankfully I didn’t have to make that decision to leave and go back.”
Boyce will report for international duty this week in fine fettle, fresh from his first goal from open play since a 3- 3 draw against St Johnstone on February 1. And a delightful one it was, too. as he produced a sumptuous flick to convert a low Olly Lee cross which was just behind him.
“Everyone in the Northern Ireland team seems to be scoring so there’s real competition for places,” Boyce said. “I just need to keep doing what I am doing and hopefully get more minutes.”
Steven Naismith’s opener against Inverness, which came 60 seconds after the interval, was similarly impressive, with the Hearts captain meeting a Stephen Kingsley cross and directing a stunning left- footed volley beyond Mark Ridgers.
The goals were two moments of magic which illuminated an underwhelming Hearts showing, with the hosts having to survive a tense finale after Aaron Doran looped a super header past Craig Gordon in the 86th minute.
“When you can win when you’re not playing your best it’s a good sign,” Boyce said. “Since the gaffer [ Robbie Neilson] came in, he has tried to change our mentality. Last season was obviously disappointing and we were turning up at games in a rut. We wanted to change that from the word go. So win’s a win and it keeps us ticking over .”
We were turning up at games in a rut