He was able to go toe-to-toe with Rangers captain James Tavernier – and Hibs’ Josh Doig says it’s handed him a massive shot of confidence.
The left-back made his first appearance in six weeks as Jack Ross’ side were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Rangers on Saturday. A Ianis Hagi goal settled things between the sides but Doig shone at Ibrox.
On several occasions, the teenager faced up Rangers’ influential captain and managed to beat him too. After a spell out the side, Doig says it was a nice reminder of how good he can be.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s Premiership match with Ross County, Doig said: “I like to think I have got a wee bit of pace. I thought I would take a touch past him and see what happens.
“I was fortunate to get past him but it’s the final ball. When you play against Rangers you are not going to get many chances so when you do get opportunities you need to have that final ball, that killer pass.
“But it’s good to know, one of the better players in the league right now, I can take him on and kind of keep him out the game a wee bit, so that was a big confidence boost for myself.
“To play at Ibrox against those players was a big occasion. You don’t want to feel the pressure too much but you do get a few butterflies in your stomach before the game. But once you are on the pitch you just play your game and I loved every second.
“Being out the team for a while has given me a bit of a rest and I’ve been able to watch Lewi (Stevenson) and Sean Mackie as well and take a bit of their game into mine.
“It gave me a bit of a breather but it was good to be back at Ibrox and good to know the gaffer has faith in me to chuck me back in for such a big game. I was really pleased.”
Doig has gone from a youth player at Hibs to a regular first-team member in 2020 via a loan spell at Queen’s Park in the second half of last term.
He says that 2021 can be even bigger for him, despite a breakthrough 2020: “At the start of the year I was playing 18s and coming back from a back injury. (Sporting director) Graeme Mathie said ‘I think the best thing for you is to go out on loan’.
“And I loved every minute at Queen’s Park. Playing against men helped me so much and it kicked me on. I only got to play six or seven games because of Covid but I loved every second of playing at Hampden, it’s an experience that not many get.
“Over lockdown it was hard to keep yourself fit and active and keep that enthusiasm up but I kept myself in good shape, watched what I was eating and went on runs.
“The hardest part was trying to keep playing football but I was in decent enough shape so when I came back I was ready to go and I felt I fitted in with the first team and was ready to push on.
“I’m hoping for a full season and none of this nonsense in 2021! There’s no fans, no big crowds, it’s mad, but I haven’t really experienced that at reserve level anyway. I can imagine when fans get in it will be a big surprise.”