Scots-born Boyle is now looking like a possible Asian Cup bolter under Graham Arnold with the new coach reportedly in touch with the Scottish Premiership winger.

But Jamie Maclaren and Mark Milligan's team-mate actually started the ball rolling six months ago in the lead up to Russia 2018.

Soon after van Marwijk took charge of the green and gold as caretaker coach for the tournament, Boyle applied for his Australian passport.

Although the 25 year Aberdonian has only ever lived in the UK – and played for the Scotland U16s – his father was born in Sydney.

And in March, he told the BBC: "You see people playing international football that are born in different countries all the time."

He scored six goals and set up eight more from 41 games for Hibs last season, and has kicked off the new season with two goals in six games.

At the time he refused to discuss the possibility of a World Cup spot – but he was keen to be in the mix for a Socceroos call up.

He added: "I'm not looking that far ahead.

"I'm just trying to sort out a passport and whatever comes along that way, comes along.

"The club has spoken to representatives on that side, and I just need to keep working hard and whatever comes, comes."

He is now said to be in the mix for a call up for the squad for the next Socceroos friendlies in the lead up to the Asian Cup in January.

Boyle met with Arnold earlier this month and the move has been welcomed by Hibs coach Neil Lennon, and a chance for Boyle to continue to link up with Maclaren at Milligan at international level.

“I think it would be thoroughly merited for Martin,” Lennon told the Edinburgh Evening News. “I think it would appeal to Martin. International football would be great for his experience.

“It is a different footballing culture but there is a familiarity with the boys here.”