HERE TO STAY
Ross confident Socceroo Boyle is in it for long haul at Hibs despite Bhoys’ interest
JACK ROSS is adamant that Hibernian’s resolve to retain prized asset Martin Boyle is matched only by the player’s desire to stay at Easter Road.
Celtic’s head of football operations Nick Hammond was at Easter Road to watch Boyle make two assists in a 2-1 win against Hamilton on Wednesday, while Neil Lennon is a huge admirer of the player from their time working together in Leith.
However, Hibs manager Ross revealed yesterday that no club has made even tentative contact regarding Boyle (right), who has 18 months left on his current contract.
And he made it clear that no approach would be welcome — dismissing suggestions that the club could be open to a quick sale this month.
‘We’ve no interest in selling Martin,’ said Ross. ‘There has been absolutely no contact regarding him. This has grown arms and legs over the last ten days and it’s pure speculation.
‘I’m really relaxed about it because I believe Martin Boyle will continue to play here until such a time comes that the club gets an offer which is worth it.’
The manager’s confidence that Boyle is going nowhere this month is strengthened by the fact that the 26-year-old winger is not agitating for a move.
Ross is adamant that the former Montrose and Dundee attacker is content at Easter Road, safe in the knowledge that he will be a star man for Hibs ahead of what could be a careerdefining opportunity to shine at this summer’s Copa America with Australia.
The Socceroos are special guests at the continental showpiece and, as they share a group with Argentina, Boyle could yet go toe-totoe with Lionel Messi.
‘If a player becomes unhappy or has an interest in moving, then the dynamics change and they change very quickly,’ explained Ross. ‘It’s just part of this job, and a part of their life. ‘But Martin is happy here, enjoying his football and has exciting times ahead with the Copa America coming up in the summer. Playing regularly and playing well is hugely important for Martin in the lead-up to that tournament. ‘There are a lot of ifs, buts and maybes that will get spoken about but, because of the type of character he is, I don’t think he pays too much attention. ‘Similarly, I’ve gained enough experience now that I don’t worry so much about these things. ‘I’ve lost good players before — my top players — and have had to deal with that and, equally, I’ve had speculation about my players that didn’t amount to anything.
‘I just get on with the job in hand and Martin is doing the same thing.’
Ross also confirmed that the club have received no further offers for Flo Kamberi, who had caught the eye of Polish side Lech Poznan, as the manager continues to work towards bringing in reinforcements of his own.
The sale of Oli Shaw to Ross County and long-term injuries to Jason Naismith and Ryan Porteous have, in particular, accelerated the need for a striker and defender.
‘We are trying to get two in,’ added Ross. ‘We need someone at either end of the pitch to help us, but they need to be players who will improve us. I’d hope we’ll have something done soon because we’ve gone from being quite chunky in numbers to a little bit light.
‘We have players identified and are working towards that — but they are not done yet.’
Meanwhile, Ross, who takes his charges to Fir Park to face high-flying Motherwell today, is in talks with Peterborough United counterpart Darren Ferguson to ensure Naismith is allowed to complete his rehabilitation from a season-ending knee injury in Scotland.
The defender is only on loan at Hibs — but Ross insists they have a duty to the player.
‘We have committed to a season-long loan, so it’s like having a player on a one-year deal,’ added Ross. ‘We wouldn’t just jettison a player out of the building if they had a one-year contract so, while it’s not altogether normal, it’s about player welfare.
‘Jason’s welfare is as important as the physical condition of his knee. From a football management point of view, I’m happy for him to stay here. So is Darren (Ferguson). But, from a medical perspective, there are some things to iron out. I’d hope that will be the case.’