David Gray has explained why Hibs winger Martin Boyle’s action on the pitch has been limited recently.
Boyle has started on the bench for the last three Hibs fixtures and last started a game in defeat to St Mirren on November 9.
The Aussie has struggled this season due to a hand injury and that has been evident in his lack of productivity – he has just two goals and one assist in the Premiership.
Boyle had the operation on his hand but it has now been revealed by Gray that his recovery was hit with a setback.
He had to undergo a second operation which involved a bone graft from his hip and it means he wasn’t able to hit top speed at Hibs this season.
He’s now behind the emerging Nicky Cadden, Junior Hoilett and Elie Youan in the pecking order at Easter Road, but Gray has challenged Boyle to take his opportunity when he gets it.
Hibs star Boyle had to undergo another operation
Gray said: “He’s been a huge player for the club over the past few years – or a number of years now, to be honest.
“He obviously had a bit of an injury at the start of the season with his hand, which affected him, definitely. I don’t think anyone can say it didn’t. And then he’s probably building up his training minutes and minutes ever since then.
“He needed a re-operation, which wasn’t ideal because he actually had to use part of a bone graft on his hip, effectively. So he had that to deal with as well.
“And he’s someone that needs to just keep pushing to try and get in the team because of the strength and depth we’ve got in there.
“The wingers we’ve got, Nicky Cadden’s had to wait for his opportunity, starting the season later, coming in later, not being quite up to speed. But he’s came in and done really well, he plays in the wide areas.
“You’ve got Elie Youan, Junior Hoilett can all play in these positions. Rudi Molotnikov has started the season really well, can play in the wider areas as well.
“There is loads of competition there and it’s about when you get the opportunity, trying to maximise it as much as you can.”
Gray on keeping his Hibs squad happy
Asked if balancing the demands of the squad in terms of giving everyone game time is hard, Gray replied: “Yes, it can be. Purely because everyone wants to play.
“It would be a lot easier if players are happy not to be playing. Because then it’s very easy to ignore them because you don’t want players in your squad that don’t want to play.
“I’ve got a dressing room where everybody’s trying to get into the team to try and do the best you can. And I think you’ve seen that even in recent weeks with boys who’ve came into the team who maybe haven’t been playing as much as they’d like.
“Rocky Bushiri, for example, has stepped in and done really well. He’s had to wait patiently for his time and trained consistently all season for his opportunity.
“And guys like Jake Doyle-Hayes, Luke Amos, that are getting more minutes in the training pitch are in the exact same boat as that.
“They just need to keep doing as much as they can and keep pushing as much as they can to try and get in the team.”