Jack Ross speaks on Hibs youngster Josh Doig as he gives defender key advice

Youngster has impressed in pre-season training

Josh Doig celebrates his goal against Celtic

Hibs head coach Jack Ross has urged Josh Doig to seize his opportunity as he discussed the 18-year-old’s performance in pre-season.

The defender enjoyed a fruitful loan spell at League Two side Queen’s Park last season, prompting comparisons with former Spiders left-back Andy Robertson from manager Ray McKinnon.

The youngster has been training alongside the Easter Road first team since training resumed earlier this month and he netted an impressive volley in Monday’s bounce match against Celtic at Parkhead.

Speaking to Hibs TV, Ross admitted he had been impressed by the full-back since players had returned to East Mains.

"Because of the circumstances last season when I came into the job and where we were [in the table], with Josh being out on loan, having that close interaction with him wasn’t really possible,” said the head coach.

"This pre-season, I was conscious of that and the circumstances meant that he was part of what I was doing from day one.

"It allowed me to have a really good period of assessment of him, and everything we’ve asked him to do he’s done terrifically well.”

The Hibs head coach explained that while strength and conditioning can be tough for younger players during pre-season, Doig had taken it in his stride.

“He dealt with conditioning really well, and then you start to look at the technical side of it, and the tactical side, and again his response has been excellent.

"The obvious way to judge that is how he performs in games. We’ve played tough opposition in recent weeks, and he’s handled that really well.

“He's still a very young man but I’ve been really impressed with him so far.”

Ross had a message for Doig, and the other youngsters who have been put through their paces alongside the first team this summer.

"All the young players in the group have been good in terms of how they’ve helped us prepare for the new season,” he added.

"It’s an opportunity that’s arisen for them – that’s the first part of it. The second part of it is how they take that opportunity.

"Right now, Josh is grabbing that opportunity, and he has to continue to do so.”

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