Transfer fail sent Doig into a spin
Josh Doig admits he didn’t know whether he was coming or going at Hibs earlier this season. Literally.
In August, former boss Jack Ross claimed the talented youngster was on his way out of Easter Road.
But a big transfer move didn’t happen for last year’s SFWA Young Player of the Year and he was left with a battle to regain his place.
Doig has suffered a bit from second season syndrome but, under new gaf fer Shaun Maloney, he’s now finding his feet again.
The 19-year- old revealed his head was all over the place at the start of the campaign – but he has learned a lot from the experience.
Ahead of Tuesday night’s derby clash with Hearts, Doig said: “There was a lot of speculation and I was led to believe that I was going.
“I was out of the squad for a game and thought I was away. Next thing I knew, it wasn’t happening and my head was absolutely scrambled.
“I’d never been through that before and probably struggled a wee bit. I had to fit back into the team and focus on Hibs again. It was hard but I’m grateful to still be here and playing. I love this place and I’m playing with a smile on my face again.
“Everything is a learning curve so I know what I’d do next time. I need to stay away from my phone and my pals and focus on football.
“If I’ve got my foot on the ball, I’m all good.”
Doig feels he’ll thrive under Maloney and said: “The gaffer has come in with a new system and it allows me to be more free from wing-back.
“I can get up and down and run my heart out – that’s my style of play.”
Maloney wi l l want his f irst Edinburgh derby win over Hearts in midweek.
And Doig can’t wait to sample it with the backing of a full Easter Road crowd after last season’s lockout.
He said: “I’m from Edinburgh so know the importance of these games.
“It’s the biggest match in the world for me.
“My family are all converted Hibs fans now. We used to be on the dark side but we’re Hibs daft now.
“The way the club treated me when I came in here made us fall in love with Hibs.
“Having the fans back at Easter Road for the derby this week will help the players so much – you feed off their enthusiasm.”