Hibernian boss David Gray admits to concern over Martin Boyle hamstring injury

Hibernian boss David Gray admitted to concern over a hamstring injury sustained by Martin Boyle in Tuesday’s 2-0 home win over Aberdeen.

The Australia forward, Hibs’ joint-top scorer this term, pulled up suddenly and fell to the ground while trying to make a run into the box in the 33rd minute of a match settled by second-half goals from Thibault Klidje and substitute Junior Hoilett.

After a lengthy spell of treatment, Boyle was able to walk off the pitch, replaced by Elie Youan.

“I think it’s never a good sign, especially somebody as quick as him, when you see him running like that and he pulls up straight away, so he’s clearly felt something,” said Gray.

“When you speak to him now he’s actually quite positive about it. He says it doesn’t feel too bad but it’s far too early to say. We’ll obviously scan that as quickly as we can and make sure we find out.

“But it’s always a concern when somebody pulls up like that, so we certainly won’t be taking a risk. We’ll make sure we look after that properly.”

Gray was impressed with the way fifth-placed Hibs followed up their 3-2 Edinburgh derby triumph over Hearts at the weekend by putting the Dons to the sword.

“They were two very hard games,” said Gray. “With everything that went into the derby, the way the game went, the emotion at the end, tonight was always going to be about trying to lift the players again and make sure they use that momentum.

“I did feel it was a wee bit flat at the start of the game but it’s a massive win that I think we deserved over the piece.

“Back-to-back wins is never easy to do, so I’m delighted for the players.”

Aberdeen had a potential equaliser from substitute Kevin Nisbet ruled out for offside in the 84th minute but otherwise offered little as they slipped from sixth place to seventh.

Manager Jimmy Thelin said: “We were not good enough over 90 minutes. If we act a little bit different in some transition moments, we can get something from this game but I can’t say we were better than Hibernian and deserve something.”

Dons goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov appeared to be at fault for Hoilett’s stoppage-time strike although prior to that, the Bulgarian had required a lengthy period of treatment before deciding to stay on the pitch.

“It’s difficult to say,” said Thelin when asked if Mitov’s injury had been a factor in his mistake. “He got a knock on the nose. Let’s see how it is tomorrow, but I think it’s OK.”