Martin Boyle's knowledge of Shaun Maloney has all been gleaned on the box.
But the Hibs winger is hoping the chance to play for the former Celtic and Scotland ace can boost his understanding AROUND the box.
Maloney is closing in on becoming the new boss at Easter Road - and Boyle is in no doubt it’s a big deal.
The 38-year-old has spent the last three years working with Roberto Martinez and Thierry Henry as a coach for the world’s number one international team, Belgium.
But it’s as much his career at the top of the game which excites Boyle who remembers watching the winger on the telly terrorising defences playing for Scotland, Celtic, Aston Villa, Wigan and Hull.
Boyle said of the new boss in waiting: “He is a big name, he’s done well with the Belgian national side. It’s a big name being attracted to the club which is great and those are the people you want to play under.
“I have never crossed paths with Shaun Maloney, I just watched a lot of him on telly when I was younger.
“We will see what happens in the next few days.
“I could learn a lot off him. He will have his own ideas and I’m sure if he does become the manager then everyone will be buying into what he wants to bring to the club.
“I have played under different managers and adapted to how they wanted to play which has been a positive. This will be no different.”
Maloney won’t be in charge at Hampden for Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup Final against Celtic with David Gray taking charge for a third game and Boyle reckons Hibs are in good shape to go and have a crack at winning silverware.
The hero of the semi final against Rangers - with a 30-minute hat-trick - can’t wait to get back on the expansive turf at the national stadium even though he’s not netted in six games since.
That run coincided with a rotten run which ultimately cost Jack Ross his job after last week’s 1-0 defeat at Livingston during which Boyle blazed a spot kick high over the bar.
The Australia international admits sadness at the end of Ross’ rein.
But he’ll be grabbing the ball again if Hibs win a spot kick against Celtic in Sunday’s showpiece.
He said: “Sunday will be great. Cup finals don’t come around too often so we are all looking to go there and grasp the opportunity to lift silverware.
“After the hat-trick against Rangers the goals have fizzled out a bit - I wasted them in one game!
“But I’m happy playing, creating chances for the team and the last few games I have managed a few assists.
“It wasn’t ideal against Livingston. Missing the penalty, these things happen.
“You can go on a run of scoring penalties but then defining moments like that .. we wouldn’t necessarily have gone on to win the game and we never played well but we also had chances after that which was frustrating.
“The way we played we knew it wasn’t good enough. It’s just the way it is at the moment and it was a bit sad the way it ended.
“I certainly hope I’m on the next penalty! I will definitely be grabbing the ball.
“I’ve gone on a good streak of scoring penalties so I’d like to think I will be on the next one.”
Boyle looked back to his best as Hibs beat Dundee 1-0 on Tuesday to ensure they head to Hampden with a spring in their step.
A trademark blistering run from deep inside his own half to set-up the only goal of the game was the highlight and the 28-year-old said: “It was good to raise the spirits ahead of the final with a win and it’s about recovery now, sleeping well and see what Sunday holds.
“I feel like I’ve had a positive start to the season and am playing well. Everyone knows I like playing out wide, taking the ball on a run and getting at people and creating chances.
“We showed in spells against Dundee what we can do. The first half especially. When we get the ball down and move it in wide areas we can really hurt teams.
“There will come a time when we are ruthless and some team will be on the end of it.
“A new manager usually gives you a boost. As players we just need to get on with it. It’s important we dust ourselves down and prepare for hopefully a good day out on Sunday.”
