Josh Doig has admitted that he reads speculation linking him with Celtic and co on Twitter, but simply tries to dismiss it all.
Doig has seemingly become a wanted man. Celtic, Arsenal, and Chelsea were all linked with him back in January [Sky Sports]. The Hoops in particular were thought to be eyeing him up for a summer move to Parkhead.
More recently, however, Watford have been reported by their local press as being in talks with Hibs about a potential deal. The fee being bandied around by the Watford Observer is £4million.
Doig has admitted that he manages to see plenty of the speculation on social media. However, speaking to Sky Sports, the left-back admits he tries not to pay too much attention to the gossip.
“I do see the stuff on Twitter, you are always going to come by it. I just let it by me, I don’t really focus on it too much.
“I know people are always going to talk if you are a young player and doing alright in the team, but you can’t look too much into it. You get your pals messaging you saying this and that is happening, but by mum and dad will never mention much and they will keep me grounded.
“I’m not focusing on it too much. It’s a massive confidence boost for myself, obviously, seeing big teams are interested. I can just use that to give myself a confidence boost and use it in my game. Big teams are looking so why not use that as a confidence booster.”
Scottish Cup final an indicator that Josh Doig has plenty to learn despite Celtic link
For those who watched yesterday’s Scottish Cup final at Hampden, you can’t be blamed for not being impressed by Doig. Not one player in Hibernian green managed to put in even a competent performance. It was a grim watch all round for Hibbee supporters.
Doig, unfortunately, is included in that. The full-back was far too easily beaten in the air for the goal by Shaun Rooney – failing to defend with any power whatsoever. That was a key sign of the physical development Doig has still to go through.
And perhaps it was a timely reminder to Celtic supporters that Doig isn’t and wouldn’t be perfect. If he signed for the Hoops, he would have to be given time and patience to make mistakes.
There is the potential option of signing him and loaning him back to Hibs for a year. In fact, that could easily be the clause that manages to seal a deal for the winning club. But if that was to be the case, £4m is far too much for a player that won’t even be at the club next season.
The most important thing for Doig is to play football. The worst thing he could do is go to Arsenal or Chelsea and find himself playing under-23 football in the EPL2. No, Doig is getting senior football on a weekly basis at Easter Road. His next move needs to see him given guarantees he’ll still be playing regularly. Otherwise, his development will stall or go backward.
For now, Doig needs to keep himself ticking over. Whatever will happen this summer will happen, but the player himself is in a great position after a stellar breakthrough campaign.
In other news, a Celtic youngster has suffered playoff heartache this afternoon.
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