Hearts to Hibs – and do the trick for Doig

Josh Doig was never going to give up on his dream of becoming a footballer – even when Hearts released him after nearly 10 years at the club.

The 18-year-old responded to that hammer blow by working even harder, and transforming his physique.

He’s now the latest in a line of outstanding left-backs being churned out in Scotland, and will be looking to continue his progress in this afternoon’s match at Mcdiarmid Park.

Doig crossed Edinburgh to join Hibs, and claimed a first-team spot after making his debut in the opening game of the season at home to Kilmarnock.

He recalled: “I started at Hearts when I was seven, and came up through their Academy.

“I have to appreciate what they did for me.

“When it came to contract time, however, I didn’t get offered one. “John Rankin was my coach at the time, and he said he could keep me on part-time.

“But he had a belief in me, and said I could go and get full-time somewhere else. I’m grateful for that.

“After being at Hearts for so long, I was a bit down for the first week, but my mum and dad had belief in me.

“My head went a little bit, but I picked myself back up and worked hard.”

The youngster didn’t expect a contract to come from a club on his doorstep.

He went on: “I was at a few other clubs, and then Hibs knocked on my door. . . . But the youngster was more of a fan of Bale’s Madrid team-mate Marcelo (right)

“They’re so close to my house, and you can’t say no to them.

“I was 16, just turning 17. I had a trial, a few weeks training, and I fell in love with it.

“I had to work out in the gym because I have a slim build.

“Through lockdown, I spoke to Ryan Porteous about it and he said that because I’m naturally quite fit, not to worry about that so much, just get in the gym.

“So I was in there four times a week, just bursting myself.

“I would maybe run once or twice a week so that I could build myself up a bit more.

“I think that has helped me to move into the first-team and play in the Premiership.

“If you have the right mindset – no matter what age you are – you will eventually find your place.”

As Doig prepares for a game against St Johnstone today, an old pal is contemplating his next move. Through summer, Hearts’ Aaron Hickey has been chased by massive clubs like Bayern Munich, Lyon and Bologna. Doig went on: “I’m the same age as him, and we’re good pals.

“He is a season ahead of me, and I thought he did brilliantly last year. “I grew up with him at Hearts from a young age. He was always a good guy.

“We are in touch to this day. He always congratulates me and vice-versa.

Gareth Bale was put up as a role model by Josh Doig’s dad . . .

“It wasn’t him playing at left-back that held me back.

“I was playing centre-half at Hearts, and I think that’s more where they saw me.

“I was lanky at the time, and not as mobile as I am now.

“I grew up as a Hearts fan – but coming to Hibs has certainly changed that a bit!

“I was more of a Premier League fan growing up, though, a big Manchester United fan.

“Marcelo of Real Madrid was always my favourite player, although I’m a different build.

“I liked Gareth Bale, too, because he is tall and athletic.

“My dad always said I should try to base my game on him.”

It is refreshing to hear a young player who’s so grateful for the help he’s been given in pursuing a football career.

His dad, Tommy, is clearly a massive influence, and Doig seems to have found the ideal boss for him at Easter Road in Jack Ross.

He said: “The gaffer and assistant manager, John Potter, have been brilliant.

“They tell me not to be afraid because you don’t get into a team by playing safe.

“There’s no point going into the big games, and playing within yourself. “You can’t be scared to make a mistake.”