‘Such an inspiration’: Arsenal-linked defender says he models his game on £25m Gunner

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Reported Arsenal target Josh Doig has named Kieran Tierney as his inspiration, alongside Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson, and says he models his game on both players.

The Hibernian defender is believed to be on the Gunners’ radar, but the likes of Chelsea, Celtic, Stoke and Sunderland are also said to be monitoring the 18-year-old.

According to Sky Sports, Doig has attracted attention from a host of clubs after a number of impressive displays since making his first-team debut for Hibs last August.

“Josh is an 18-year-old making his full debut for the club, but he was excellent,” manager Jack Ross said at the time.

He made his 19th appearance of the season for Hibs in last Saturday’s Scottish League Cup semi-final defeat against St Johnstone.

Doig, who is contracted to Easter Road until 2023, has also represented Scotland at Under-18s level.

And when asked by Sky Sports – via Edinburgh Live – about his thoughts on fellow countrymen Tierney and Robertson, he replied: “I try and watch them as much as I can.

They are both absolutely flying at the moment. They are such an inspiration for young Scottish players, especially playing in my position. You can’t get any better than that.

“Seeing what they are doing is unbelievable and I try and base as much of my game on theirs as possible because they are doing something right.”

When asked if he has goals of playing Premier League football and winning Scotland caps, he replied: “That’s everyone’s goal, is it not?

“At the moment I am just trying to keep my head down and trying to get as many games as possible this season because I am trying not to take anything for granted.

“Two years ago I was getting released from a club (Hearts) and now I am here. It seems like all of a sudden I am here but I can’t let anything distract me pushing forward.”

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Tierney and Robertson have both developed into world-class players at Arsenal and Liverpool respectively, and while Doig is still young, he certainly has the potential to go far as well.

Given Arsenal could certainly do with cover for their £25million star, Doig may not be too far off first-team action were he to join the Gunners.