Hibernian head coach David Gray has revealed he wants talisman Martin Boyle to step into a leadership role this season - as he played down speculation linking the winger with a move to the A-League. 

Speaking at his first press conference since his appointment, Gray - flanked by sporting director Malky Mackay - insisted the 31-year-old was 'fully focused on being the best he can be', having recently returned to pre-season training after he was given extended time off following international duty with Australia.

During the break, Boyle had admitted it was a personal goal to play in his adopted homeland, adding: "It's an aim of mine to play in the A-League. When that will happen, I'm not really sure, so we'll just see what the future holds. There's been a lot of speculation - there always is at this time of year - but I'm under contract and as far as things stand I'll be at Hibs and if anything changes, it changes."

READ MORE - Malky Mackay on why Hibs appointed David Gray

He was linked with Melbourne City and Perth Glory, with the latter's director of football Stan Lazaridis stating that he would 'love to have [Boyle] here, of course' as he summarised the Socceroos' 5-0 victory over Palestine on June 11. 

But with the attacker under contract at Easter Road until at least next summer, Gray is keen to keep hold of a player he has played alongside and coached during his time at the club.

"I think everybody knows Martin is a huge asset in the Scottish Premiership. I've had conversations with him, I said to him on the phone that he is now an experienced Hibs player. He is craving a bit of leadership - he knows that and needs to pull that out as well. That doesn't come just by performances on a Saturday; it's every day," Gray explained. 

"I've had numerous chats with him over the last ten days to two weeks. He’s come back in a positive place and fully focused on being the best he can be, not just for me, but for the football club as well."

READ MORE - Martin Boyle set for Hibs 'penny drop' moment

The 36-year-old also wants his Hibs team to be fighting for silverware and European football every season. The capital club finished a disappointing eighth last season but Gray has ambitions - but realistic ones, in his opinion.

“We start by showing the players what good looks like, what success looks like, and what hard work looks like. If we can get that right, with everyone pulling in the same direction, we’ll be ready," he said. 

Acknowledging the demands placed on both the players and coaching staff by the Hibs supporters, Gray said the opportunity to try to win a trophy was there at the start of every season. 

"Is it a realistic target? Absolutely. I’ve managed to live that and breathe that myself. The fans deserve it, they crave it. The players were made aware on day one that when we’re goal-setting for the season, we need realistic targets – and that’s exactly what it is. Every expectation on this Hibs team has to be to try to win a trophy and to finish in a European position. That’s the ultimate aim, from the start."

Gray also spoke about finally getting the chance to lead Hibs on a permanent basis, after four separate spells as interim manager - his first resulting in a baptism of fire as he led Hibs out in the League Cup final against Celtic just ten days after Jack Ross had been relieved of his duties.

“Had we won that game, and I was then asked to take over then, would that have been the right thing to do? Absolutely not," Gray stated. 

“The progression I’ve made in the last three years since then, everything has been geared towards this moment. Do you ever know when you’re ready? You’re never sure. But I felt this was the right time to go and make a difference here, to put myself out there and apply for the job properly.

“What I’ve learned is, there is more than one way to play. Every single manager has brought their own style, everyone has their own ways of working. I’ve been gathering all this information over time, being in a position to take the good parts, see what maybe didn’t work, and put them together in what a successful Hibs team should look like.

“I fully understand the demands of the football club and the expectations. I know what it looks like when you’re successful as well as what it feels like when things aren’t going well. This club needs to be doing better. I take that on board every single day. If we can get this right, it’s a fantastic place to be. And I feel we’ve got an opportunity to be really successful."