Ross heaps praise on Hibs debutant

Hibs head coach Jack Ross has hailed debutant Josh Doig following the teenager’s baptism of fire against former Scotland star Chris Burke.

The 18-year-old was handed his first competitive start against Kilmarnock on Saturday following a string of fine pre-season performances.

It was a huge show of faith from Ross, with Easter Road great Lewis Stevenson left on the bench.

Doig helped Hibs to a 2-1 victory, with Martin Boyle bagging a brace, and in spite of a couple of testing moments against Burke – who notched Killie’s goal with a sensational freekick – he stood up to the challenge.

“Josh is an 18-year-old making his full debut for the club, but he was excellent,” Ross said.

“He tired a bit, and was playing against a really good opponent in Chris

Burke, so that will be another good education for him. But he can be very pleased with himself.”

Former Dunfermline striker Kevin Nisbet, a fellow debutant, teed up Boyle’s first goal, while Alex Gogic and ex-St Johnstone attacker Drey Wright both turned in solid maiden outings.

Ross added: “I’m really happy with them all. I had no concerns over Drey, Alex and Kevin, in terms of how they have fitted in.

“I thought they would all produce good performances and they all did well.”

Kilmarnock boss Alex Dyer said: “There were a lot of positives to take from the match despite the result.

“The (Burke) goal was also something special and I am encouraged by the whole performance. We just need to stop making life hard for ourselves by conceding sloppy goals.”