Martin Boyle says Hibs are determined to put a string of wins together after securing a first Premiership three points of the season.

The winger climbed off the bench to clinch a 2-0 victory over St Johnstone at Easter Road, racing through to dink home after Mykola Kukharevych opened the scoring moments before the interval. David Gray's side had picked up just two points from their opening four fixtures, and there was palpable relief around the stadium at finally getting off the mark.

Boyle expects it will give Hibs a significant lift as he aims to win back his own place in the side. The returning Elie Youan took the 31-year-old's place on the right flank, while debutant Junior Hoilett was also impressive off the bench, indicating greater strength in depth in Gray's ranks having made 11 summer signings.

But in registering his 10th goal contribution in all competitions this season, Boyle hopes he's done enough to take that starting berth back.

“I think getting the first league win is vital," said the Australia international. "It gives a lift to everyone around the place. We felt we’d been a bit unfortunate so far, given the performances, losing last-minute goals. But a clean sheet makes everyone feel better.

“Now that we’ve generated this winning mentality, the aim is to go on a bit of a streak. It felt like once the goal went in, we really went up a gear. Everyone knows there is competition for places now. We’re fighting for the spot, which means training has been really lively.

“The manager gave us that message on Saturday morning before the game: ‘If you’re in possession of that shirt, you’ve got to work to keep it now. It’s not guaranteed – and you’ll be judged on your performances.’

“I’ve been here a few years, I’m not getting any younger, I’m afraid! But I do like that competition. I like to have people challenging for my place; it gives me a lift. I want to keep that jersey, not give it to anyone else. That might be a bit selfish. But if it’s working and we’re getting performances, that’s only a good thing."

Easter Road held its breath when Boyle was sent through by Chris Cadden and elected to dink Ross Sinclair instead of squaring to Kukharevych for a tap-in. The winger admits he could've found himself in a spot of bother had he missed, but revealed one of his aims for the campaign is to be more ruthless in front of goal.

Read more:

“A few of the boys have said to me that I should have squared it – and I just heard that the gaffer said the same thing!" said Boyle. “But I had been speaking to my dad. And he said he wanted me to be a bit more selfish in those situations.

“As soon as I got through, I really wanted to score a goal. I only had my eyes fixed on the goal – I didn’t even Myko. Thankfully it did go in. But I’m hoping I can make it up to Myko by providing him with a few more over the course of the season.

“I’ve always lived off that kind of trademark finish, those through balls and using my pace. I live off those moments. So I enjoyed the moment. But it could have gone either way. If I don’t cut that back and miss... but I’m honestly trying to be a bit more ruthless and clinical this season. That was my thinking."