Hibernian star Martin Boyle is ‘well on track’ in his recovery from a serious knee injury.
And Easter Road boss Lee Johnson is hopeful a trip Down Under can help lift his spirits as he continues his gruelling comeback.
The 29-year-old suffered a knee injury against St Mirren in October and was then given the devastating news that his World Cup dreams with Australia were over.
In carrying out what they expected to be a minor tidy-up operation, doctors discovered Boyle had pre-existing anterior cruciate knee ligament (ACL) damage.
When he came round after the surgery, the former Dundee striker was told he would not only miss the World Cup finals in Qatar but the rest of the season.
It has been a long slog since then and Johnson has admitted the fans’ favourite has struggled in recent months.
But, after a special request from Socceroos manager Graham Arnold, Hibs gave permission for Boyle to join his international team-mates for their double-header against Ecuador in Australia.
And Johnson believes it could provide Boyle with a welcome pick-me-up in his rehabilitation.
He said: “We are really pleased with how Martin has been progressing over the last few months and he is well on track with his rehabilitation and recovery.
“The last few months have been difficult for him, but he has been working really hard to make sure he gets back to full fitness as quickly as he can.
“When you are out injured for a long period of time, it can be a lonely place as a footballer.
“This is a good opportunity for Boyler to go out to Australia, link up with his international team-mates and receive some of the best medical care in a new environment.
“The change of scenery will be good for his mindset, and I’m sure he will come back revitalised when we welcome him back in a week’s time.”
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