Socceroos star Martin Boyle is in a “stable condition” in hospital after suffering a head injury in Hibernian’s Scottish Cup quarter-final defeat by Rangers.

The 30-year-old winger was taken off on a stretcher in Sunday’s match at Hibs’ Easter Road home after seeming to fall awkwardly while battling for a high ball with John Souttar, brother of fellow Socceroo Harry Souttar, during the first half.

The knock will also have come as a concern to Socceroos boss Graham Arnold so close to Australia’s World Cup qualifier against Lebanon in Sydney on March 21.

Souttar was unscathed but medics quickly attended to the Australian international, with the game held up for nearly 10 minutes as a stretcher was immediately brought on.

The 30-year-old Boyle, a huge favourite with the Hibernian fans, was given a standing ovation and applauded by both sets of players as he was carried off the pitch and taken straight to hospital.

A statement from the club later on Sunday read: “Hibernian FC can confirm that Martin Boyle is now in a stable condition in hospital.

“The winger went straight to hospital after the first half collision against Rangers and is receiving the best possible care.

“The club would like to thank the speed of both clubs’ medical departments in attending to Martin on the pitch. Everyone at Hibernian FC wishes Martin a speedy recovery.”

Hibs’ manager Nick Montgomery, the former Central Coast Mariners boss, told BBC Scotland he would call the player later on Sunday.

“He’s landed on his head, probably a bit of concussion, a bit of a sore neck and that’s something you have to worry about,” Montgomery said.

Hibs went on to lose the tie 2-0 to Rangers, while Celtic, holders of the trophy after last year’s win under Ange Postecoglou, beat Livingston 4-2 in another last-eight match.