Martin Boyle wants to get even in Saturday’s Scottish Cup Final – with his missus.
The Hibs winger is targeting a second winners’ medal at Hampden after being an unused sub in the heroic 2016 Hampden victory over Rangers that ended the club’s 114-year wait for the silverware.
Now he is a main player as the Easter Road club look to end the season in style against St Johnstone this weekend.
And he admits the pressure is on in the Boyle household as he finally gets the chance to level up the Scottish Cup winners’ gongs with wife Rachael having grabbed back-to-back glory with Hibs Women in 2016 and 2017. Boyle’s better half was victorious twice against Glasgow City.
And the 28-year-old, who has scored 15 goals this season, said: “We’re a footballing family and love it. We wouldn’t have it any other way.
“That’s just what we were brought up doing. Thankfully we’re in the position we both play for the same club and are both doing quite well.
“Rachael has two Scottish Cup winners’ medals – that puts a lot of pressure on me!
“She has so many more medals and caps than me that I can’t compete! We can be competitive but at the same time we are
just proud of each other’s achievements.
“We were at each other’s Scottish Cup Finals – I also took our two-year-old daughter Amelia along to watch her mum play in the League Cup Final. If I wasn’t there then I’d have definitely heard about it!
“It’s a bit disappointing they won’t be there on Saturday. We thought maybe they would have the opportunity to come then it’s been taken away again.
“Thankfully it’s been done early. It’s just back to the situation where we’ve had no fans all season.
“Hopefully we can meet up after the game. There’s nothing booked yet. We’ll wait to see how Saturday goes and hopefully it’s in our favour.”
Family comes first for the Australia international and he admits a taste of silverware on Saturday would be the perfect ending to an emotional season.
Boyle was taken out of the Hibs side at the turn of the year after his father Graeme suffered a stroke.
But he says his old man is now “brand new” and asked if a winners’ medal would mean a lot to him, Boyle said: “It would be brilliant. It has been an up and down season and it was difficult. To have all that happening was difficult and I haven’t felt emotions like that before.
“I know my dad is proud of me and what I have contributed this season.
“I’m sure he’ll be phoning me on Friday night just to tell me that it’s one more game and to give it everything I’ve got and that he’s proud.
“Hopefully I can bring another medal home and get my hands on that trophy.
“He’s back to work in the office a few days a week so it’s like there is nothing wrong with him.
“He’s like me, he’s a little energy bunny, so he needs to calm down and relax a bit.
“But he always has a smile on his face and always tells me to enjoy everything I have and keep going.”
Boyle insists his focus is 100 per cent on lifting silverware despite mounting speculation over his future and a buy-out clause in his contract meaning he could leave for just £500,000 this summer.
Linked with Celtic last summer, his numbers are certain to have admirers lining up come the summer.
But Boyle said: “I’ve two years left and whatever happens, happens. Then returning back after the internationals for pre-season.
“I’d just have to see what the opportunity was and weigh it up. I’ve never been in that position before.
“But I’m sure if it was brought to my attention then it’s something I would weigh up with family and the club then take it from there.
“I can’t describe how much I’m enjoying my football here. Some people might say that money is everything but happiness is everything. I’m really enjoying my football, my family are settled here and I committed to another two years here.
“I could have just seen out my contract but there’s a lot to be said for being happy.
“That’s the kind of guy I am. I’m happy, playing football regularly and enjoying it.
“It has been fantastic for me, just making family proud, and although I had a chance to just see it out, and this Saturday could have been my last game, thankfully it’s not. I’m in a position where I’ve had a really good season and whatever happens will happen.”
Boyle’s winners’ medal from when Hibs beat Rangers in 2016 remains his pride and joy. But he admits a win this weekend would mean more.
The winger added: “Having played all the games and contributed goals and assists, having the chance to play in the final and hopefully lift the Cup would mean everything to me.
“Being a part of the team in 2016 wasn’t the same. Being on the bench you don’t get the plaudits and feel you’re a bit left out.
“This time round I’ve contributed in all the games and have played my part.
“Hopefully I can do the same on Saturday – that would mean everything.”
