Lee Johnson has provided an injury update on Martin Boyle and admitted: "I'm lighting a candle for him" with the World Cup on the horizon.
The Hibs fans' favourite and star man was forced off during the victory over St Mirren at Easter Road with Qatar 2022 just weeks away and the attacker a cert to be including in Graham Arnold's Australia squad for the global showpiece.
The 29-year-old was replaced early in the second period by Elias Melkersen as the Hibees ran out 3-0 winners in the capital to reclaim third spot in the Premiership. But that positive has been overshadowed by the injury to Boyle, with his manager admitting it is too early to say how bad the knock is, but expressed his delighted that it wasn't his knee and more towards the top of his shin.
READ MORE: Hibs find a new talisman in St Mirren win but concerns arise over Boyle - 3 things we learned
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Johnson said: “I’m praying it’s not too bad. I was very worried it was his knee, but it’s not. It’s down the side, sort of the top of the shin.
"We’re hoping the pain was contact to the nerve, because it went numb. That was what ended in him coming off, but I’m lighting a candle for him hoping he’s alright.
"It’s going to be difficult psychologically for him, but I have to say his professionalism has been outstanding, he has never shirked anything in training or games. That’s why he deserves to go to the World Cup, for that consistency.”
Hibs face three more games before the World Cup shut down starting with a Friday night game under the lights against Aberdeen at Pittodrie. They then face Ross County and Kilmarnock before the league pauses on November 12.
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