ALEX McLeish says “what will be will be” when it comes to Hibernian winger Martin Boyle representing Scotland or not, writes Graeme McGarry.
The 25-year-old has been in sparkling form for the Easter Road club, and is tipped to be named in the Australia squad by Socceroo’s manager Graham Arnold for their friendly against Kuwait next week. He qualifies for the Australians through his father, and Arnold had stated that the player “was very excited to play for Australia”.
Despite the danger of losing out on the player, national head coach McLeish decided against calling Boyle up for Scotland’s matches next week against Israel and Portugal, saying it would be difficult to leave out any of the players he has named in his squad that operate in wide positions.
McLeish said: “Martin Boyle is a guy who has been in good form for Hibs over a period of time and I’ve considered him. We tried to take him on the South American tour, but he was injured.
“At the moment I am pretty rich in that position and it would be difficult to get Martin in ahead of guys who are already in that squad. You’re in a dilemma. What do you do? I felt that it was better sticking to these guys.
“I wanted to have faith in the guys that I’ve picked. I respect what Boyle’s been doing. He’s looking great for Hibs. Neil [Lennon] will be delighted to have him. I was trying to go and see Neil last week, but couldn’t make it. I’ll see him in the next couple of weeks. What will be will be.”
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