Martin Boyle reveals the inspiration behind his China goal celebration

Socceroos striker Martin Boyle paid homage to two of his teammates when he rifled home Australia’s second goal in their victory over China.

It was yet another clinical goal from Boyle whose strike from just outside the 18-yard-area saw the Socceroos race to a 2-0 lead in their FIFA World Cup qualifier against China PR.

His deadly strike also had the celebration to match as he explained the special moment between him and Aziz Behich.

“I did my trademark jump up and fist to the air and then Aziz [Behich] and I were talking and because we’re good friends with Lecks [Mathew Leckie], we agreed that we would tap the captain’s armband for him,” Boyle said.

“He [Leckie] texted me asking me to do that goal celebration.”

WATCH: Socceroos v China - Match Highlights

The Socceroos captain is sorely missed by his teammates, in particular Boyle who cannot wait to have him back in camp sooner rather than later.

“He’s a big miss here. Hopefully we’ve done him proud and we can get him back in the near future,” he said.

However, for now, Boyle has struck up a new friendship with the Socceroos’ latest debutant, Callum Elder, whom he met in transit to the Doha camp.

“I met him on the plane for the first time and I could not get him to shut up. He just kept yapping and yapping,” Boyle revealed.

“We’ve hit it off well and it’s just fantastic."

READ: Callum Elder's ‘unbelievable’ journey to Socceroos debut

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Proof of the pair’s bonding was there for all to see when Boyle added the golf swing to his growing repertoire of celebrations against China.

“The golf swing is from Callum [Elder] and I playing PGA Tour 2K21 where I have been beating him every round and he keeps coming back for more.

“He wanted me to do that celebration so hopefully he saw it.”

The Hibernian striker has now made it four goals in his eight appearances for the Socceroos but admits he may have to work on a certain part of his game if he is to catch up to Harry Souttar’s incredible record.

“I have a few goals to catch up on before I reach him. I think he’s dangerous from set pieces so I’m going to have to work on my aerial duels if I want to catch up with him.”

Souttar’s goal to game ratio is something that he will be striving for but as it stands he has his mind set on the green and gold who got off to the perfect start in their latest round of qualifiers.

“Three points first game, convincingly, and three goals and a clean sheet. I can’t ask for more.”

“As I say, we take it game by game and the expectations of this group are really high and we’ve got a real belief.”