Martin Boyle: Should Hibs offer in-form man new deal?

The cynical among us might assume the upturn in Boyle’s form is down to the fact he needs to earn a new contract.

That could be part of it, but it’s not the whole story. For context Boyle now has seven Premiership goals this season, a tally he has only bettered once – in 2020-21 when he grabbed 12.

Hibs’ switch to a back three has helped them go on a seven-game unbeaten run, with only leaders Celtic defeating Gray’s side in the last 10 games.

It has also helped Boyle. Rather than being out on the wing in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, he is playing as a striker alongside the wily Dwight Gayle.

As Gray put it, Boyle is now operating with “freedom” as he roves around the pitch.

His 37 touches against Motherwell came all across the park, allowing him to pop up in the box for the opening goal, but also get in position to put in seven crosses, more than any other player.

But it was not just his attacking output. Even at the end he was closing down frantically, and his awareness to pick up a pass and counter lead to Motherwell’s Jack Vale being sent off in stoppage time.

Gray says Boyle shaking off an early-season injury and knuckling down have been key as well.

“He had to deal with adversity,” the Hibs boss told BBC Scotland. “He’s probably never felt that in a number of years in a Hibs jersey.

“I’ve challenged him this year as well in terms of leadership and what I think he needs to do to bring him to the next level. Now he’s demonstrating all the qualities I know are in there.”