Martin Boyle glad to be home at Hibs as he opens up on fitness levels

Martin Boyle has no regrets over his time in Saudi Arabia but admits he is glad to be back ‘home’ with Hibs.

The Australian internationalist completed a return to Easter Road shortly before the first Edinburgh derby of the 2022/23 Scottish Premiership campaign and climbed off the bench to net a stunning injury-time equaliser.

Speaking to Sky Sports he admitted the moment would stay with him for a long time.

"I think that's the first game that I've woken up and been a bit nervous for because I didn't know where I was at in terms of fitness," he said.

"I hadn't really had match-sharpness, or played a game in over a month, but the games normally take care of themselves. The adrenaline, the atmosphere was electric and I was itching to come on and those moments don't come around often.

"It's definitely a moment I'll remember for a long time."

Hibs missed Boyle following his money-spinning move to Al-Faisaly and the 29-year-old insists he is looking forward to picking up where he left off as he aims to help the Capital club improve on last season’s disappointing eighth-place finish.

"I just need to keep working hard, performing and helping team-mates. It's quite a young squad so I'll need to help them along the way,” he added.

Martin Boyle is looking forward to helping out the young Hibs squad

"I'd say I'm pretty fit. I had a lengthy time off, but I looked after myself when I was away and obviously I've come back and managed to make an impact in my first game.”

The attacker revealed Hibs had made a ‘big play’ to tempt him back to Edinburgh after Al-Faisaly suffered relegation from the Saudi top flight. But he still feels richer for his experience in the Middle East.

"I enjoyed my time there, I played Champions League and that was some experience as well," he said.

"They've got VAR over there and I think there are a lot more technical players, there aren't as many rash challenges flying in.

"It's just a different culture, hotter weather; I was training at night, staying up through the night and had different eating habits.

"It's home sweet home here, you enjoy what you're used to and thankfully I'm back."