Hibs star Martin Boyle continues to race against the clock in his battle to secure a World Cup spot with Australia - with the forward still on the sidelines despite the tournament kicking off next week.
Boyle, who is eligible to play for the Socceroos due to his father, Graeme, being born Down Under, was called up to Graham Arnold's squad for his fine form, having scored five goals in 12 games on his return to Easter Road earlier this summer. Already amassing 18 caps, Boyle knows the squad inside out and should seamlessly fit in to the set-up in Qatar should he play.
However, an injury sustained in the 4-1 defeat to Aberdeen earlier this month gave fans of the Socceroos and Hibs much to fear for with the tournament set to kick off under three weeks from the date of his injury - though reportedly, Arnold and his men are set to wait until the last minute to make a decision on whether to send Boyle home or whether to push him through the process and risk his lack of involvement.
According to The Australian Telegraph, there is a huge concern amongst the ranks that Boyle won't be fit in time to face France in the group opener. Australian bosses can opt to replace Boyle up to 24 hours before they kick off against Didier Deschamps' men on Tuesday.
Backup has been summoned in Marco Tilio, a 21-year-old forward who already has five caps for his nation after a good run of form for Melbourne City. If they do opt to swap Boyle for Tilio, his World Cup would be ended.
There is still the viewpoint that Boyle would be worth risking beyond France, with Denmark and Tunisia the obstacles in a bid for group stage qualification. Australia are prepared to see out his availability right to the bitter end before cutting his dream short, knowing that his quality compared to the majority of the club could be the difference between making history and making plans for the first flight home.
Australia have seven players from the Scottish Premiership at the club, alongside Harry Souttar, Jackson Irvine, Jamie Maclaren and Jason Cummings who previously plied their trade in the top-flight.
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