Jack Ross provides latest update on reported Celtic target Josh Doig

By David Walton

August 5, 2021

Jack Ross has stated that he anticipates Hibernian’s Celtic-linked left-back Josh Doig will still leave the club ahead of their Europa Conference League qualifier tonight.

Ross first commented on Doig’s inevitable departure before the weekend’s Premiership opener at Motherwell. The player was left out of Hibs’ squad for the game in North Lanarkshire, but has yet to be sold.

Celtic have been consistently linked with the player stretching back to January [Sky Sports]. However, Daily Mail journalist Stephen McGowan believes Burnley and Watford are currently battling things out over a £4million deal for the 2020/21 Football Writers’ Young Player of the Year

Hibs will take on Rijeka tonight at Easter Road in another big game for Ross’ side. And whilst he admitted he’ll need to make a decision on whether to bring the player back soon, he’s anticipating something happening before tonight’s European tie.

As quoted by the Daily Record, Ross said: “As a club we need to take control of the situation. I’m also very conscious of Josh’s welfare as a young man. He is still young and has been through a lot in a short period of time. From a football point of view we need to bring the situation to a head one way or another.

“On Sunday we expected it to be something that was completed imminently but as of yet that hasn’t happened. If that continues to be the case we then need to look at what is best for the club and for Josh.

“Once we get beyond Thursday’s game, and if nothing has progressed as we anticipated it would be then we need to relook at the situation. I want to ensure I have my squad in place. The chances of something happening have not diminished. It is just the final part that matters.”

Jack Ross wants swift Josh Doig decision

Not surprisingly, Ross wants a quick decision made here. But it still doesn’t seem as if Celtic are one of the parties closing in on the player.

Instead, it looks as though Doig’s likely destination will be to the English Premier League. Which would be seriously frustrating from a Celtic fan’s perspective given our urgent need for a new left-back. Not to mention the sheer raw potential that Doig has in any case.

If nothing happens today, meanwhile, it looks as though Hibs may look at reintroducing him back into the squad. That’s effectively what Ross is hinting at here.

He has a player at his disposal right now with far too much uncertainty hanging over him. And news on any updates regarding his departure from the club has been slow to say the least.

But it looks as though Hibs are still expecting something to be done imminently, whilst preparing for there not to be.

Time will tell whether Celtic are indeed sniffing around. But the smart money is on the Hoops looking to alternatives.

In other news, Midtjylland ineligible player talk vs Celtic shut down by UEFA