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Edinburgh Live
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Alan Galindo

Three things we learned from Hibs vs Hearts as Boyle in heroic return and Shankland off the mark

Martin Boyle was the Hibs derby hero as the returning fans' favourite netted a last-gasp leveller with the final kick of the ball.

He only officially returned to the club yesterday and was included on the bench by Lee Johnson for the Edinburgh derby showdown with Hearts and he proved how big a player he could be once again by making an instant impact. His strike sparked wild scenes in the stands as celebrations spilled onto the pitch. Boyle's goal gave the 29-year-old the last laugh as he claimed a priceless point in a share of the spoils.

Lawrence Shankland also grabbed his first goal for Hearts as Robbie Neilson's long transfer pursuit this summer paid off.

The former Ayr United and Dundee United striker slotted beyond David Marshall in the first period and he looked set to be the derby hero before the late, late leveller for the Hibees.

Martin Boyle scores with the last kick of the ball as Hibs claim a share of the spoils in Edinburgh derby clash with Hearts at Easter Road (SNS Group)

Barrie McKay's bit of class to set up the goal for Shankland as he showed again his importance to this Hearts team with a huge season on the cards. Guaranteed European football, starting with a Europa League play-off against either Linfield or FC Zurich comes later this month while the Gorgie club will want to match last season's third place finish behind Celtic and Rangers and even try add silverware after a Scottish Cup Final appearance last term.

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READ MORE: Martin Boyle Hibs contract details emerge as Lee Johnson labels move 'huge boost' and hails board

For Hibs, they want a top six finish and to be challenging for European football this term after a poor campaign last time around. Today's late goal could prove to be the catalyst for the season ahead as the Hibs faithful were in full voice come full-time as they made it four points from six in the first two games of the season.

Here are three things we learned from the Edinburgh derby.

Returning hero

Step up Boyle.

The attacker has returned and if he wasn't a hero before the game, he certainly is now.

Excitement surrounded Easter Road as the returning fans' favourite was named on the Hibs bench following his return to the club. And it was written in the stars that he would have a major role to play as he slotted beyond Gordon with seconds to play to earn the home side a point in a thrilling derby clash.

First of many?

Shankland introduced himself to the Hearts faithful in the best possible fashion by netting his first goal for the club at Easter Road.

It was a long chase this summer to bring the former Ayr United and Dundee United striker to the club but the wait was worthwhile as Neilson's big transfer made an instant impact in the Edinburgh derby.

His first goal in maroon, you wouldn't bet against it being the first of many this campaign!

Age like a fine wine

Gordon and Marshall both showed their class in this one with key stops.

At 39 and 37, the duo proved that age is just a number as they kept the score down.

In the end, the veteran duo both had to settle for a point but both players showed they will play major roles and claim their respective sides key points this term as they bid for success.

READ NEXT:

- Martin Boyle on his whirlwind Hibs return and Hearts derby phone call as he takes place on bench

- Martin Boyle Hibs contract details emerge as Lee Johnson labels move 'huge boost' and hails board

- Ellis Simms nets dream Sunderland debut double as former Hearts man makes perfect start at new club

- Steven Gerrard's Aston Villa captaincy show of faith in John McGinn will provide 'huge boost'

- Hearts transfer update as Baningime return month predicted by Joe Savage ahead of more business

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