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Winger Boyle eyes Socceroos starting role

3 minute read

Deft winger Martin Boyle plans to spend his break from international duty working hard at his club Hibernian to nail down a starting role at the Socceroos.

MARTIN BOYLE.
MARTIN BOYLE. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Winger Martin Boyle plans to push for a starting role in Graham Arnold's Socceroos side after making his long-awaited return from injury.

The Scottish-born forward starred in the final 20 minutes of Australia's 1-0 win over Jordan in their 2022 World Cup qualifier in Amman on Thursday night, 10 months after tearing his lateral meniscus in Socceroos training before the 2019 Asian Cup.

Arnold is a huge admirer of Boyle, to the point he turned a blind eye on his policy of only playing stars with regular monthly match minutes.

The 26-year-old was brought on despite playing just two matches since his return to Scottish Premiership club Hibernian and a total of five matches in 2019.

Boyle is honoured to return to the national side after spending so long in recovery, but he's already targeting a starting role.

"It shows my hard work's paid off, I've had a lengthy spell on the sidelines," he said.

"Personally, for me I can get more minutes for my club and hopefully come back fully fit and push for a start."

Boyle's deft touch and masterful control outfoxed many Jordan defenders and he was able to work himself far up the field, but many a time the support was lacking.

"I like to carry the ball, I like to make things happen. I like to get people off their seat (with) a bit of excitement, which is the kind of role I need to be playing: getting the ball, dragging it forward and creating chances for my team," he said.

The winger was also on hand to make a key clearance as Australia were pinned in their own box in the final 10 minutes.

Boyle said it's important for him to contribute no matter where it is on the pitch.

"Yeah absolutely, it's part and parcel of the game, you have to attack and defend," the forward said.

"We were kind of hanging on at the end and defensively I feel I can help with that, also bringing the ball forward, relieving pressure off the team."

Boyle is planning to spend the break from international duty working hard for his club and getting his minutes up so he can nail down a starting place when Australia face Kuwait at home on March 26.

"If I'm not doing the business back home then I obviously won't be selected, so if I keep working hard I'll hopefully be selected," he added.

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