Hibernian head coach Neil Lennon suspects winger Martin Boyle will be able to take his choice between playing for Australia and Scotland.
Boyle is set to be called up by Australia after talks with their head coach, Graham Arnold, during his recent visit to Scotland.
Arnold told Australian-based website, The World Game: “I spoke to the kid again the other day and he’s very excited to play for Australia.
“He’s a player, from what I saw, that we don’t have too many of… he’s another (Daniel) Arzani type.
“He’s got a one-on-one action and plenty of pace. We’re just waiting on the paperwork now.”
Aberdeen-born Boyle applied for an Australian passport earlier this year courtesy of his Sydney-born father but Lennon hinted Alex McLeish – who names his latest squad on Monday – could make a move to call up the 25-year-old.
“I wouldn’t rule Scotland out of it just yet,” Lennon said.
“I think Graham got a run on it a couple of weeks ago but I’m aware there is interest in Michael as well from Scotland. Maybe it will be down to his own personal preference.
“I’m delighted he is getting the recognition he deserves for his performances over the past couple of years so you’ll just have to watch this space.
“I don’t know what the outcome is going to be but it’s fantastic recognition for him if he gets called up by Australia or Scotland.”
Lennon believes the former Dundee player has attributes to be a success.
“He is one of the best wingers in the country, so will he go into the international arena and prosper? I hope so,” Lennon said.
“He’s a good kid, he’s willing to learn. There’s been a vast improvement in his mentality and his physicality as well.
“He has certainly got the equipment to play international football in terms of his athleticism, his cardio-vascular and his pace.
“There’s still aspects of his game he can improve on but if he did he wouldn’t be playing for Hibs, he would be playing at the highest level.
“I think there’s more to come, I think he can improve on his decision-making.
“His movement off the ball is fantastic and his dribbling at pace on the ball has been very, very good. He’s been an absolute star in my two years here.”
Hibs face St Mirren in Paisley on Saturday where Lennon will come face to face with Oran Kearney, who recently swelled the ranks of Northern Ireland-born managers in the Ladbrokes Premiership to five.
“He had a great time at Coleraine,” Lennon said. “I spoke to him in the summer, he called me for a bit of advice because he was going to be interviewed for the job.
“He is very studious and I think he is very well thought of. He thinks a lot about the game and how he sets his team up.
“I wish him well but obviously not too well on Saturday. But it’s nice to see another fellow Irishman doing his stuff in the league.”
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