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Socceroos striker Martin Boyle returns to Hibernian, scores Edinburgh derby equalizer against Hearts with last kick of the game

Martin Boyle scores in the 95th minute for Hibernian

Fan favorite Martin Boyle enjoyed a fairytale return to Hibernian as he came off the bench to score a late equalizer against arch-rivals Hearts in front of a full house at Easter Road.

Lawrence Shankland’s first competitive goal for the Hearts in the 21st minute looked as if it was going to be enough to secure a third Edinburgh derby victory in succession for the visitors.

But the Socceroo Boyle, who has returned just seven months after leaving in a lucrative transfer to Saudi Arabian side Al Faisaly, struck with the last kick of the game, sparking a mini pitch invasion from the jubilant home support.

An Australian striker playing for Scottish side Hibernian runs down the touchline as ecstatic fans roar and punch the air..
Martin Boyle left it late to score an equalizer against Hearts that sent Hibernian fans wild in the stands. (Getty Images/SNS Group: Rob Casey)

Manager Lee Johnson hailed Boyle’s “Roy of the Rovers” return.

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The 29-year-old Australia international only signed for Hibs on Saturday.

And after being introduced as a 62nd-minute sub, Boyle sparked bedlam inside a packed Easter Road as he struck with the last kick of the game.

“If you wrote a comic book strip and he was the star of the show, I’m not sure you could write it better than that,” Johnson said.

“He’s buzzing, but the boys were buzzing as well when we told them yesterday (that he had signed).”

Boyle had not played for six weeks prior to his Easter Road return and Johnson admits he had to weigh up whether to include him in the squad.

“It was about 9pm last night,” he said after being asked when he knew Boyle would be eligible.

“There was a bit of deliberation about whether I should play him, from one particular key figure at the club who didn’t think I should, but I will remind him gently — very, very gently — that’s my role.”

Livingston secured their first Premiership win of the season with a narrow 1-0 victory over Dundee United at Tannadice.

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