Some supporters in Scotland might not have known much about Ange Postecoglou when he was appointed manager of Celtic. However, he would have already known a fair bit about the Scottish game.
With the likes of Tom Rogic and Daniel Arzani having featured for the Hoops in recent years, several other players have played for many Scottish clubs and also featured for the Australian national team.
One player that Ange is familiar with in particular, who maybe didn’t take the traditional route in international football and at the same time been linked on a few occasions with a move to Parkhead, is Hibs winger Martin Boyle.
The Aberdeen born wideman now represents the Socceroos alongside our very own Tom Rogic.
Whilst Ange wasn’t the man to give the 28-year old his first cap for his nation, ahead of Wednesday night’s trip to the capital, the Hoops boss knows Boyle very well and is also looking forward to his first game at Easter Road this midweek.
“I know Martin really well,” he said as quoted by the Scotsman.
“I was pretty pleased when he chose to play for Australia because there was a bit of an arm wrestle when it came to who he was going to play for.
“He’s done really well for the national team, so I’m well aware of him. He’s a good player, and it’s not easy playing for Australia. Unlike other national teams, he’s got to do long-haul travel and getting back to this part of the world isn’t easy. So he’s handled that really well.
“I’m looking forward to the game. It’s always a tough away trip, and the reason for that is that Hibs have had a good, competitive side. It’s the same this season. It’s my first foray into Easter Road, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Boyle has been known to be one of Hibs most dangerous players in recent years, so Ange will understand what it takes to stop the experienced winger from playing a crucial part in the game.
As always, it will be a tough test on the road to Easter Road. However, it will also be one which Ange and his squad will be looking forward to, to try and carry on the good run of form.
