Rested star back on the Boyle for long-awaited win

decision to leave him on the bench at St Mirren.

“It freshened him up and he has had a disallowed goal, possible penalty call and a couple at the end where he just lost his footing.

“Martin is a big player and it’s important that we don’t take risks when it’s not necessary.”

Montgomery said prematch that Boyle would not join up with Australia for the international break if his fitness was a concern.

The Easter Road boss revealed after the game that he was still reluctant to let him travel Down Under.

Montgomery added: “I’m not the doctor but I will go down and have that conversation. If he’s fit, no problem, he’ll be raring to go with the Socceroos.

“If not, he’ll probably stay. Getting through 90 minutes probably tells you he’ll be desperate to go, and he’s a big player for them as well.

“If it was up to me, he’d stay and we’d rest him. But they have got good medical staff and hopefully it’s two weeks of him recovering for a few days and getting some minutes.”

Hibs started brightly and went close through Jair Tavares in the fourth minute when the Portuguese forward curled a free-kick just past the top corner from 18 yards.

Boyle had the ball in the net moments later but was flagged for offside. The same player then raced clear after cutting out a slack Liam Donnelly pass but lost his footing as he was chased down by Stuart Findlay. Referee David Dickinson waved away claims for a penalty.

But Boyle again used his pace to devastating effect when he charged forward from the centre circle before finding Campbell, who buried a low shot past Will Dennis.

The second half was less eventful, although Kilmarnock sensed they could get something in the closing stages with the home support growing anxious in the knowledge that their team had thrown away winning positions in their last two league games.

Rory McKenzie went close but his effort glanced off the post from close range.

Montgomery said: “It was a professional performance. Coming off the back of Wednesday and conceding an injury-time equaliser, it was important to get a win.

“We could have killed it off earlier but we limited them to one shot on target and they are a very physical and direct side.

“The fans were also fantastic and they pushed us through at the end when you know there will be some hairy moments with balls into the box.

“Kilmarnock have good delivery and height but our defending was resolute.”

Hibs forward MARTIN BOYLE brilliantly laid on Josh Campbell for the only goal of the game and his pace was a constant threat for the home team.

In a tight first half the opening goal was going to be crucial and it was Hibs that got it as Josh Campbell found the net.