We’ll give star Josh a helping Han to top

The biggest compliment Paul Hanlon can pay Hibs kid Josh Doig is that he’s keeping pal Lewis Stevenson out of the team.

The Easter Road centre-back sees similarities with himself when he first came into the side 12 years ago.

Doig has been a revelation for Jack Ross’ side in their impressive start to the season.

And as well as fighting for his shirt, Hanlon revealed club legend Stevenson is helping the youngster develop.

He said: “Josh has had a great start to his first-team career. He’s not looked out of place at all.

“He has given us energy down the left side. It’s still early but the signs are good that he can have a really good career.

“Guys like me, Lewy, Dave Gray, Daz McGregor, who have been there and done it, can help him.

“And Josh is keen to get that help so it bodes well.

“I’m not sure if he sees himself as a left-back or centre-back. But when I came through I was roughly the same age, same sort of build – tall and skinny!

“So there are similarities but my long-term goal was always to move into central defence.

“For Josh right now, it’s about keeping his place in the team. To be a starter ahead of someone like Lewis is a credit to what he’s done in pre-season. Now, he has to keep it going.

“Football can be a ruthless world. Everyone wants in the team but Lewis doesn’t treat Josh like that. He tries to help him as much as he can and that’s testament to the guy.

“I’m sure Josh would say that he couldn’t have a better guy behind him.”

Hibs currently sit second after an unbeaten start in the league, having conceded just two goals.

They’ ll face their toughest encounter so far today against Aberdeen but Hanlon insists they want to take the Dons’ tag of Scotland’s third force.

He said: “Yeah, we need to be aiming that high. We’ve put ourselves in a good position but we know it will be difficult.

“It’s a big ask but it’s a realistic aim for us.”

Hanlon has been a key man for Ross at the back and his manager believes he is worthy of a Scotland call-up.

He has been left out of Steve Clarke’s squad for the Nations League fixtures – but is refusing to give up on his cap dream.

He said: “It’s still an ambition to get in the squad and win a cap.

“If we can keep our standards high at Hibs I’ ll have a much better chance of doing that.”