HIBERNIAN defender Josh Doig has penned a new deal that will keep him tied to the capital outfit until the summer of 2025.
The 18-year-old has caught the eye since breaking into Jack Ross' starting XI this term - scoring his first senior goal against Hamilton last weekend - and has reportedly been gaining admirers south of the border.
Fans of the Leith club no longer have to worry about the prospect of the left-back being snapped up by a bigger team though, with Doig admitting that he owes the Leith club a debt of gratitude for handing him a route into the professional game.
He told the club's website: “I’m grateful for the new contract and the club’s faith in me.
“This season’s gone better than I could have hoped for and it doesn’t seem that long ago that my family were with me at the training ground to sign my first professional contract.
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“I owe the gaffer, the backroom staff and my team-mates a lot for giving me the opportunity to do what I love and for helping me whenever I’ve needed it.
“I’ve said it often enough, but I get unbelievable support from the senior players here. A young player couldn’t wish to be in a better dressing-room.
“I said when I signed the first professional contract that it was an important step, but it was only one step and the same applies to this one.
“I know what I want to improve on, and I want to do whatever it takes to stay in the team and make sure we have a strong finish to the season.
“I’ve still not really had the chance to play in front of a full Easter Road or experience European football. If we were able to do both next season it would be another dream come true.”
Hibs head coach Ross added that he believes Doig has a bright future in the game, and was happy to see him commit to the Hibees.
“I’m delighted that Josh has taken the decision to sign a new contract and I think it’s testament to the belief that the players have in what we’re trying to build here," Ross said.
“He’s deserved all the plaudits that have come his way because he’s worked so hard on his game and he is a pleasure to coach.
“My job is to continue to improve him, on and off the pitch, because I think we’re just scratching the surface of his full potential.”
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