Martin Boyle taken to hospital in Scotland after head clash playing for Hibernian

Just 10 days out from a crucial World Cup qualifier, a clash in Scotland forced a Socceroo into hospital.

Socceroos winger Martin Boyle has suffered a sickening head knock. Picture: Giuseppe Cacace / AFP

Socceroos star Martin Boyle is in a “stable condition” in hospital after falling on his head in Hibernian’s Scottish Cup quarter-final defeat by Rangers just 10 days out from a World Cup qualifier against Lebanon.

Boyle was taken off on a stretcher in Sunday’s match at Easter Road home falling awkwardly after an aerial battle for the ball with John Souttar, brother of fellow Socceroo Harry Souttar.

The match was held up for 10 minutes as medics attended to the 30-year-old winger who was given a standing ovation and applauded by both sets of players as he was carried off the pitch and taken straight to hospital.

The team’s manager, former Central Coast Mariners boss Nick Montgomery, told BBC Scotland he would reach out to Boyle in the wake of his club’s 2-0 loss.

“He’s landed on his head, probably a bit of concussion, a bit of a sore neck and that’s something you have to worry about,” Montgomery said.

Boyle was airborne before the injury occured. Picture: Getty Images

Moments before landing. Picture: Getty Images

Players gather around the hurt Socceroo. Picture: Getty Images

Hibernian FC can confirm that Martin Boyle is now in a stable condition in hospital.

Everyone at Hibs wishes Martin a speedy recovery 💚

— Hibernian Football Club (@HibernianFC) March 10, 2024

A statement from the club later confirmed Boyle was in a stable condition.

“Hibernian FC can confirm that Martin Boyle is now in a stable condition in hospital,” the club said in a statement

“The winger went straight to hospital after the first half collision against Rangers and is receiving the best possible care.

“The club would like to thank the speed of both clubs’ medical departments in attending to Martin on the pitch.

“Everyone at Hibernian FC wishes Martin a speedy recovery.”

Rangers appeared to be struggling at the start of the second half following their 2-2 draw with Benfica in the Europa League in Lisbon on Friday.

But Hibs’ Jordan Obita and Nathan Moriah-Welsh were then both sent off in the space of three minutes.

Obita was dismissed for a second bookable offence in the 68th minute after a foul on Rabbi Matondo before Moriah-Welsh was shown a straight red for a reckless challenge on Lundstram.

Hibs continued to hold out before Portuguese striker Fabio Silva’s goal seven minutes from time made the game safe for the visitors.

The Socceroos will take on Lebanon in matches in Sydney on March 21 and Canberra on March 26 on their path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.