Hibs quick to open talks on new deal for teenage prospect after fine debut season

defender Josh Doig is set to be rewarded for his outstanding debut season with a new deal.

It is understood that contract talks are progressing well between the club and the 18-year-old, with both parties confident of reaching an agreement.

The wing-back’s existing contract expires in May 2023, but following reported interest in January from a host of clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City, Easter Road chiefs look to have moved swiftly to ensure they can get the best possible return on the teenager should he be tempted away from the club in the future.

Doig, who turns 19 in May, has played 23 times for Hibs in all competitions in his debut season, scoring once and assisting three, but last month laughed off links with leading English clubs as “speculation”.

The player has only been with Hibs for a little over 18 months, making the move from city rivals Hearts after being released, and speaking after the 2-0 victory over Hamilton Accies he paid tribhibs ute to the support and guidance he has received from Jack Ross and his coaching staff after scoring his first senior goal and winning the man-ofthe-match award.

Doig said: "The gaffer is always talking to me, always giving me information.

"He knows that I'm younger and it's my first season and I've struggled a few times with confidence but him, John Potter,

and Craig Samson have been brilliant in helping me get myself back up there and keep performing.”

Head coach Ross added: "For an 18-year-old who has played as many games as he has this season, and deservedly so, he's handled a lot of different challenges.

"There's probably been less hype around him than I would have imagined, given he's such a young man playing in a team that's third in the Premiership, but that's a good thing for us because it means he goes under the radar a little bit. But his progress has been brilliant.

"I still think he's got improvement; we've seen an improvement in him this year, but to score his first senior goal, in this stadium, in an important game, is terrific for him."