Martin Boyle addresses Hibs transfer future as he sets 'story straight' on A-League speculation

Martin Boyle insists he is committed to Hibs - and will remain so until the club calls time on his Easter Road career.

The Australia international was heavily linked with a move to the A-League last month after being quoted saying a move Down Under was a future ambition. But Boyle, who has a year left on his deal, is adamant he 'lives and breathes' Hibs and that a move away from Leith will only come when the club decides to cut ties.

The 31-year-old is heading into his 10th campaign as a Hibee, spread across two spells, and hit the 300 game milestone last season. And he said: “I’m still contracted here. And that’s how it will be for the remainder of my contract. A lot of fans probably took it like I was wanting to jump ship, wanting out, but I want to get the story straight. That’s not the case. I love nothing more than being at this club and representing this club. I think it was just, at the age I am, the idea of giving something back to Australia was the point I was trying to get across. I know I’m not going to be a Hibernian player forever. You know, the time will come – which will be sad."

Speaking to the Edinburgh Evening News he continued: “In my head, I knew what it was meaning. But other people maybe took it out of context. Obviously looking back on it, it doesn’t look great. But there was no way I wanted to disrespect the club at all.

“It was me talking about future plans. Speculation is speculation. But I’m a Hibernian player. And I will be until they say it’s enough. That’s how I want it to be. There is nothing I love more than representing this club. My family are embedded in the club, my kids love this club. It’s got to the point where I’m living and breathing Hibs. I always want it to be like that.”

New boss David Gray last week made clear that Boyle is a key part of his plans adding that he wants the winger to assume more responsibility this season. That started with him being handed the captain’s armband for Wednesday’s friendly win over Duisburg on their Dutch training camp.

And the player himself admits he has to improve on last season which failed to spark after he returned from an ACL injury. He said: “I know last season my performances weren’t acceptable. And I can take criticism. I’m a big boy now.

“Of course, those fans pay their hard-earned money to come and watch. We know we never hit the levels we’re capable of. It’s as simple as that.

“I’ve got a lot more to give. I feel like I’m bigger and stronger now. I feel like this leadership role will give me a lot more confidence going forward, knowing the manager has that belief in me.

“I definitely have belief in the manager and all the other backroom staff the club have brought in. That can only be a good thing.”