Martin Boyle ruled out of St Mirren trip as Hibs target Hearts return

Martin Boyle will miss Hibernian’s trip to St Mirren through illness, with manager Marink Reedijk hoping to have the attacker available for Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Hearts.

Boyle withdrew before the defeat by Celtic and had not returned to training on Tuesday. Hibs are now targeting the Hampden derby for his comeback.

Martin Boyle latest before Hearts semi-final

Reedijk confirmed Boyle would miss Wednesday’s league match in comments reported by the Edinburgh Evening News.

“He’s still sick, so Martin will not be available,” the Hibs manager said.

The newspaper reported that Boyle was recovering from a stomach bug. Reedijk hopes he can recover for Hearts, but his selection depends on being healthy and fit.

Hibs’ absences limit Reedijk’s options

Reedijk also confirmed that none of the players who missed Sunday’s match would return against St Mirren, leaving him working with the same available group.

Boyle’s late withdrawal against Celtic forced an immediate adjustment, with Joe Newell promoted into the starting side. Reedijk praised Newell’s professionalism after being asked to step in at short notice.

The manager then turned to an unusual attacking option as Hibs chased an equaliser, sending Scotland centre-back Grant Hanley up front with eight minutes of normal time remaining.

Explaining the decision to the Edinburgh Evening News after the match, Reedijk said he wanted to disrupt Celtic’s control and create chances through a more direct approach.

Hanley’s presence helped open space for team-mates, with Josh Mulligan having an effort blocked by Cameron Carter-Vickers. Reedijk praised the defender for adapting to an unfamiliar role.

Nathan Lowe’s absence has restricted Hibs’ options at centre-forward, with Owen Elding filling that position. Asked about strengthening in January, Reedijk stressed that his immediate priority was getting results from the games ahead.

Celtic defeat leaves Hibs looking for a response

Hibs lost 2-1 at Easter Road despite taking the lead through Elding in the third minute.

Newell supplied the ball for the opener, but Celtic equalised two minutes later through a Jason Kerr own goal. Camilo Durán scored the decisive goal in the 43rd minute, as confirmed in Celtic’s official match report.

The defeat followed a 1-0 loss at Dundee United and a 2-1 home reverse against Falkirk, leaving Reedijk without a point from his first three matches.

Against Falkirk, Jacob Murrell scored twice before Elding pulled a goal back. Hibs were unable to find an equaliser despite their second-half pressure.

St Mirren approach Wednesday’s game after beating Dundee 2-1, with Calvin Ramsay and Eseosa Sule scoring before Bradley Fink’s reply. Read our Scottish Premiership weekend round-up for the wider picture.

Hearts also face defensive absences

Hearts have injury problems before Hampden. Harry Milne will miss the rest of the season after scans confirmed an ACL injury, while Christian Borchgrevink is expected to remain sidelined until after November’s international break.

Those updates were reported by the Edinburgh Evening News on Tuesday. Hearts face Rangers in the league before meeting Hibs on Sunday.

Martin Boyle: your questions answered

Why is Martin Boyle out?

Boyle is recovering from illness. He missed Celtic and has been ruled out of Wednesday’s trip to St Mirren.

Will Martin Boyle play against Hearts?

Hibs hope he can return for the semi-final, but his availability has not been confirmed.

When is Hibs v Hearts?

The Premier Sports Cup semi-final takes place at Hampden on Sunday 1 November.