By Nick Ware

12th Apr, 2021 | 1:15pm

Steven Gerrard showers Leeds-linked Josh Doig with high praise

Leeds United supporters can get excited about reported transfer target Josh Doig after Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard waxed lyrical about the Hibernian star.

According to a recent report from The Sun, the Whites are one of many suitors that include Manchester City and Arsenal, tracking the progress of the exciting 18-year-old who is earning rave reviews in Scotland.

The left-back has been compared to Andy Robertson and labelled “Phenomenal” by his former boss at Queen’s Park, Ray McKinnon [Edinburgh News].

Doig can now add Gerrard to his list of fans after the Rangers manager witnessed his talents first hand as the Gers beat Hibs 2-1 on Sunday afternoon.

In quotes reported on the Daily Record website, Gerrard offered his assessment of Doig’s battle with his own full-back star, Nathan Patterson, “I was fascinated with the battle down that side, I thought Nathan was really good,” he said.

“Doig is a good player, again, huge potential. Both lads put in a strong shift.

“I think Nathan just edged it, I must say. He’ll be pleased out of the two but Hibs have a real good player on their hands.

“It was fascinating. A really good battle, I enjoyed it.

“Two honest kids with huge potential. The future is looking bright for Scotland in terms of full-backs – because those two have two big chances of going all the way.”

That’s high praise from one of the most respected figures in English football.

Doig had a tough assignment on Sunday as he was tasked with containing the talents of Patterson and former Whites hitman Kemar Roofe down the Rangers right-hand side.

Roofe scored 33 times for the Whites between 2016-19 and he has been in impressive form for the Gers this season with 10 Scottish Premiership goals, but he was unable to add to his tally against Hibs.

Left-back is a position that has caused problems for Leeds in recent years with Stuart Dallas and Ezgjan Alioski the two players who have generally shared duties under Marcelo Bielsa.

But both are better in more advanced positions with Alioski a rampaging winger or ‘No 10′ for North Macedonia while Dallas’ latest goalscoring displays, such as his double against Manchester City on Saturday, show his talents are more suited in midfield.

Furthermore, Alioski is expected to depart Elland Road this summer [Phil Hay] and that leaves a void that needs to be filled.

Leeds need a couple of left-backs and Doig would fit the role of understudy given his youthful years and lack of senior experience, given he only made his Scottish top-flight debut this season.

Victor Orta will surely be looking for a more senior option, with Brest defender Romain Perraud though to be on the radar, according to Phil Hay at The Athletic.

But he will need a back-up and Doig could be the man for the job and if he does end up in West Yorkshire he will come with high praise that will surely raise expectation levels.

We will have to act fast however, to beat other Premier League clubs that are sniffing around for his signature.

In other Leeds United news, Micah Richards hits out at Liam Cooper red card after latest PL controversy.