Success of speedy Boyle no surprise to his pal McGinn

DISCARDED by Dundee, only to become hot property at Hibs, Martin Boyle’s remarkable rise may not have been forecast by the Dens Park club as the winger was traded in an initial loan swap deal with up-and-coming young Easter Road starlet Alex Harris in January 2015.

But Boyle’s career path to become a fans’ favourite in Leith and an international star with Australia five years later has come as no surprise to his former Dundee team-mate and current Hibs colleague Paul McGinn. The right-back knows from facing Boyle in training that his blistering pace, which he likens to that of Celtic and Scotland star James Forrest, is enough to bring a defender out in a cold sweat. McGinn watched that electrifying speed in full devastating effect on television as Boyle tormented Hearts the last time the rivals met on Boxing Day, scoring both goals in a 2-0 win for Jack Ross’ side at Tynecastle. After the final whistle, the St Mirren player texted Boyle (right) a message. But should the jet-heeled attacker repeat his derby heroics tonight, McGinn will be able to congratulate his old friend in person after his January switch along the M8 from Paisley. ‘Martin Boyle was my team-mate at Dundee and he was a really good player then,’ said McGinn. ‘At the time, Alex Harris came the other way. He was a good young player as well. ‘No one was really sure who would get the best of the deal. ‘But, luckily for Hibs, Martin has really kicked on. He’s getting better all the time and you can see why he is hot property. ‘With hindsight, Dundee would not have let that move happen so easily. But I can’t say I am that surprised. Martin goes 100-miles-an-hour off the pitch, never mind on it. He was never going to lie down and not have a good career. ‘He’s got that ability that James Forrest has where, even if he has a bad touch that lures you in, he’s so quick that he’s away past you with his next touch. ‘It’s a great quality to have and the ball seems to almost stick to him once he gets going — and he can get goals too. ‘He scored twice in the last game at Tynecastle and I remember messaging him afterwards. Hopefully, he brings his finishing boots with him against Hearts again.’ As a Dundee player, McGinn featured in a 2-1 derby win over Dundee United that sent the Tannadice club tumbling into the Championship. Despite Daniel Stendel’s Hearts sitting rock bottom of the Premiership, he draws no parallels with that night on Tayside in May 2016. ‘When I first joined Dundee, Dundee United had a right good team and the first few derbies were not pretty. ‘But, by the end of it, we managed to put them down. That was quite a surreal experience. ‘But there’s still plenty of time for Hearts to get themselves out of it, so there are no comparisons there. ‘Also, in the Dundee derby, you walk to the stadium. I don’t think Hearts would be allowed to walk into Easter Road. ‘And Hearts will be buoyant after their Scottish Cup win over Rangers. It will be difficult for us.’ The brother of Hibs’ Scottish Cup-winning midfielder John McGinn, who is now at Aston Villa, Paul has been desperate for his own first taste of the Edinburgh derby. He would love to experience a mass singalong of club anthem

Sunshine on Leith by The Proclaimers under the floodlights after a home win tonight. ‘I’m looking forward to the game — it’s exciting,’ he said. ‘I’ve seen a lot of Edinburgh derbies and I’ve always wanted to be a part of it. ‘I’ve not asked John for advice but I’m sure he will wish me good luck before it. There’s no advice you can give because it’s going to be 100-miles-an-hour. ‘The first 20 minutes will not be so much strategy. It will be blood and guts. Then, when the tempo dies down, tactics come into it more. Hopefully, we are better on the night. ‘I’ll just need to deal with it when I am in the middle of it and try to play my own game. ‘When John was here, they had a lot of good home results in the derby and I remember Sunshine

on Leith at the end being pretty special. I hope for a positive result like John experienced.’ While Hibs fans would enjoy adding to the relegation worries of their derby rivals, Easter Road boss Jack Ross is only looking up the table. Just five points separate his side, who occupy sixth place, and Motherwell, who are the best of the rest behind the Old Firm. Victory tonight would see Hibs leapfrog fifth-placed Livingston — who host Celtic tomorrow night — and leave them in striking distance of Aberdeen and Motherwell. Ross said: ‘For us, it’s about winning a game to take us closer to third place. ‘The derbies are special matches and the longer I spend here in the job, I have to understand that more and more. ‘You can’t help but get caught up in the excitement.’