Paul Robinson reacts as Josh Doig misses Hibernian match amid Leeds United speculation
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Paul Robinson expects Josh Doig to leave Hibernian this summer after the Leeds United-linked left-back was left out of his side’s win at Motherwell at the weekend.
Doig, 19, failed to make Jack Ross’ squad for Hibs’ Scottish Premiership opener while he was also left as an unused substitute in the Europa Conference League draw with Rijeka on Thursday.
According to a report by the Daily Record on Sunday, Doig missed the win over Motherwell amid rising transfer speculation with Leeds, Arsenal, West Ham and Watford among the clubs keen on the Scotland youth international.
Leeds have already signed one left-back this summer with Junior Firpo arriving from Barcelona but Ezgjan Alioski has left and Leif Davis has been loaned out to Bournemouth.
Robinson believes Doig is an ideal back-up for Firpo after winning the SFWA Young Player of the Year award last term.
Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “You can read between the lines – we don’t know – but if players are left out of squads for no reason then obviously something is going on.
“Whether it be Leeds or whoever it may be, the award he won last year has set him up for a move and no disrespect to where he’s playing now but there will be bigger and better clubs who want him.
“I suspect he’ll be on the move, whether to Leeds or somewhere else.
“Leeds do need cover at left-back, it was a weak area last season.
“Junior Firpo has come in but they still need strengthening in that area because it was a weakness and there’s only one player who can play at left-back.
“Doig fits the bill.”
Doig may be young but he’s already played 37 times for Hibs’ first-team.
Last season, the Scottish teenager scored one goal and supplied four assists in 29 Scottish Premiership fixtures.
In September, Hibs boss Ross was quoted by the Daily Record as saying: “He has been brilliant this season for a young man who has just turned 18. He will be fine and will play a big part for us moving forward.”
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have made an approach to sign this English forward whose value is soaring.