Hibs ‘are at the forefront of Martin Boyle’s mind’ amid winger’s World Cup fitness fight for Australia

The winger was despatched for scans final week after being pressured from the motion early within the second half of the 3-0 victory over St Mirren amid fears he may need to overlook out on a probably once-in-a-lifetime expertise in Qatar.

It has been urged that Boyle might need to play by the ache barrier within the Middle East to have any hope of that includes for Graham Arnold’s group – assuming he’s picked for the squad – however Johnson has religion that the 29-year-old will make the suitable determination.

“It appears optimistic. He’s in good spirits; it’s the best-case state of affairs from the scan outcomes and the medical prognosis which is nice. I’m joyful to go away it as much as Martin. I belief him completely,” he mentioned.

“If he feels that risking it’s going to have an effect on his medium- or long-term future, then we’ve had that dialog and are of the identical opinion that if that’s the case it’s a no-go. But I believe he shall be okay.

“He nonetheless wouldn’t have performed the subsequent two video games for Hibs, particularly due to the astro at Kilmarnock, however each signal has been optimistic that he’ll make a full and swift restoration.”

Johnson revealed the bubbling winger had been struggling a bit of with the setback, however his team-mates and the teaching employees had been doing their finest to maintain his spirits excessive.

“It’s been fairly troublesome for him. I’ve tried to be a assist on a human degree, attempt to hold him optimistic. The good factor is he has a preventing probability and I for one imagine he shall be making an look, if chosen, for Australia within the World Cup,” Johnson continued.

“I like him to bits and good luck to Australia, however I’m the Hibs supervisor and I need to achieve success right here. I’ve a significantly better probability of being profitable for myself and for Hibs with a match Martin Boyle.

“We have had actually good conversations with him and Hibs is on the forefront of his thoughts. But we need to give him, and he desires to offer himself, each alternative to be match for the World Cup.”