MARTIN BOYLE admits that the last 24 hours have been something of a whirlwind after the 29-year-old sealed a return to Hibernian and provided a dramatic equaliser in the Edinburgh Derby with a dramatic equaliser.
Lawrence Shankland gave Hearts a first-half lead to defend before Boyle came on with 25 minutes to go to level the match with the last kick of the game.
The Easter Road fans’ favourite left the club in January to join Saudi Arabian outfit Al Faisaly but completed a Hibs homecoming late on Saturday night before making a telling impact from the bench in yesterday’s derby.
“My head is still in a spin, I think I gave myself a migraine, he said. “I needed a defibrillator after that goal.
“What a feeling. It’s good to be back. The occasion spoke for itself.
“The fans came out in their numbers today and it was special for me and my family to see.
“And obviously to contribute and help the team was fantastic.”
Boyle faced a race against time to ensure he was registered in time for yesterday’s Premiership encounter in Leith and although it was all a little last-minute, the Australia internationalist always had a sneaky feeling he would play an important part in the derby.
“I got the call last night after my homemade macaroni and chips,” he said.
“That’s when i went into panic made and headed to Asda for a few bottles of water and a strawberry Yazoo.
“There’s nothing like Scottish football, is there.
“It was a bit bizarre. The clearance came through, so I had to get up this morning and focus on the game and the rest is history.
“I knew I would maybe get one chance, the pitch was a bit dry and I thought I had squandered it.
“But I just tried to keep believing and get myself in that position to score goals and thankfully I did.
“That was incredible, I have never felt anything like that in my life.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet, it probably will when I am in training tomorrow and all the other lads are off.
“It’s obviously a great feeling. It’s good the lads down there welcomed me in again and I can’t wait to get a pre-season under my belt and kick on.”
