Hibs head coach Jack Ross believes left-back Josh Doig has coped well with a breakthrough at Easter Road which has resulted in links to the likes of West Ham United.
The teenager starts his first Edinburgh derby against Hearts in front of fans this afternoon. Doig burst onto the scene last season and his form resulted in interest from the Premier League, teams such as West Ham United reported to have made him a ‘target.’ He was also ‘likely’ to leave the Scottish Premiership last month according to Ross.
Doig was linked to West Ham United. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
A move to England collapsed in early August. Ross says that Doig has risen to the challenges the last 12 months have provided: “We knew earlier in the season when supporters started to return that it was going to be a different challenge for Josh.
“It was well documented that he broke through in a season that was unique, hopefully, and we won’t experience again. Thus far he has handled it and responded to the change very well.
“Josh has shown consistently his ability to deal with new challenges so I haven’t given it a moment’s thought; he is more than capable of dealing with it. I treat him like an established first-team player because that’s what he is. It’s the kind of occasion and environment that all players want to play in.”
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