The report says Boyle did everything he could to make the last tournament, only for that comeback push to end in deeper frustration after surgery on his knee. He still travelled, still stayed involved, and became part of the spirit of an Australia squad that reached the knockout stage.
That matters. Tournament football is not only about the starting XI; it is also about trust, personality and resilience. Boyle has already shown he can handle the emotional side of that environment. As he put it: “Although it ended badly for me, I fully enjoyed it. I got the taste of what it was like,” Boyle said.
Even at 33, Boyle’s case is easy to understand. He brings direct running, a willingness to attack space and the kind of energy coaches value in wide areas. His long spell at Hibernian has given him a clear identity as a forward who plays on instinct rather than hesitation.
There is also a personal edge to this comeback. “And obviously to give back to everyone that's believed in me would be a really special feeling,” Boyle said. That is not empty sentiment; it sounds like a player who knows this opportunity may not come around twice.
Nothing will be handed to him. Reports suggest Tony Popovic has younger options and different profiles to consider, with wide places likely to be fiercely contested. Boyle is no longer the new face in the group; he is the experienced one trying to hold his ground.
That makes the next few months crucial. Club form, fitness and the final squad call will shape everything. If Boyle gets there, the story will not be about vibes this time. It will be about whether he can finish what injury took away.