Martin Boyle reveals Hibs derby panic after macaroni and chips that required calming strawberry Yazoo chaser

Martin Boyle got the shock of his life when a Saturday night phone call told him he was playing in the Edinburgh derby - as he’d just polished off a none-too-healthy macaroni and chips.

The Hibs star made a stunning return to Scottish football after a seven-month stint in Saudi by bouncing off the bench to nab an injury-time equaliser against Hearts that had his boss Lee Johnson describing him a Roy of the Rovers. But Boyle, who’s transfer was only confirmed on Saturday afternoon and who believed his role at Easter Road yesterday was to be coming onto the pitch to wave to the fans before kick-off, had to reassess the situation - and his diet - very quickly.

He smiled: “I got the call last night after my homemade macaroni and chips. 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.

"The last time I kicked a ball was June 28, I went on a few holidays with the family and ticked over in the gym so I hadn’t really done too much. That’s why I was surprised to be thrown in the deep end with no armbands. Luckily, I can swim and hopefully I can kick on again.

“My head is still in a spin, I think I gave myself a migraine. I needed a defibrillator after that goal.

“That was incredible, I have never felt anything like that in my life.”

Hibs have a new manager and practically a new squad since he left in January. But Boyle is adamant he will soon get up to speed with the familiar surroundings of Easter Road and the team’s training HQ in Tranent.

He added: “It’s good the lads down there welcomed me in