DOYLE-HAYES EAGER TO MATCH HEARTS
JAKE DOYLE-HAYES admits Hibs have been so jealous watching rivals Hearts in Europe that it has handed them extra motivation to get a taste of the action themselves next season. The Irish midfielder made his debut for the Easter Road side in their Europa Conference League clash with Santa Coloma of Andorra last summer. Despite disappointment in the next round against Croatians Rijeka, he relished the experience of playing on the continent. Now, after seeing Hearts seal group-stage European football this season, Doyle-Hayes says Hibs are determined to return to that stage next term. ‘That’s something everyone in the changing room wants,’ he said. ‘Missing out on it gives you something more to say: “We need to get there this season” — and that’s obviously our target. It’s not nice watching those teams play in those competitions because that’s where we all want to be. ‘But that’s down to us and we need to put it right this season. I want to play in those competitions. Signing my new deal last season was because I want to be at this club. We want to be performing in those big games and showcasing what we can do on the European stage.’ Hibs have had a dramatic start to life under new boss Lee Johnson, crashing out of the Premier Sports Cup at the group stage before stunning late goals against St Johnstone, Hearts and Rangers, and a disappointing defeat to Livingston. They take on St Mirren in Paisley today looking for just their second league win of the season. Preparing to face his former club, Doyle-Hayes, who started a league game for the first time this term in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Rangers, said: ‘There are obviously some injuries and those boys are going to be a big boost when they come back. ‘Getting Boyley [Martin Boyle] back is a big boost for any team. Even the boys the manager brought in this season, they’re really adding something to the team, so I don’t think we’re far away at all. We just need to put it all together.’
● HIBS have signed keeper Ryan Schofield, 22, on loan from Huddersfield Town. Previously at Livingston, he will cover for David Marshall after Kevin Dabrowski was ruled out for two months with injury.