Josh Doig can go as “far as he wants to” and could thrive if he swaps Hibernian for Arsenal in the summer transfer window, former Gunners goalkeeper Matt Macey has told The Times.
The 26-year-old shot-stopper knows all too well the potential pitfalls that come with joining one of the biggest clubs in Britain when you’re still learning the ropes as a professional.
Macey was only 18 when he joined Arsenal from Bristol Rovers in 2013.
Coincidentally, his Easter Road teammate could join the London giants at the same age, with The Sun reporting the Gunners are one of many Premier League clubs looking to snatch the SFWA Young Player Of The Year away from Easter Road.
Doig has a difficult decision to make.
Does he stay in Edinburgh and continue to play week in, week out at Hibs? Or does he back his own ability to join an Arsenal side that, in the shape of Kieran Tierney, has arguably the finest left-back in English football at its disposal already?
Macey made a grand total of two appearances in eight years at the London giants and would be forgiven for striking a cautious tone. However, the goalkeeper is in no mood to rain on Doig’s parade.
“He has been unbelievable,” says Macey. “(Whether he should leave) is a question that will be running around his mind constantly I would imagine.
“It happens a lot with young players. It happened with me when I left Bristol Rovers to go to Arsenal.
“For me, (a move to Arsenal) is not unrealistic for Josh. Josh can go as far as he wants to.
“He should listen to himself, listen to his family, and he will make the right decision. Either way, he’s going to be a top player whatever route he decides to take. I think both decisions would be fantastic for him.
“For me, he can go right to the top. That’s my opinion. I have seen a lot of young players at Arsenal and he would be right up there, for sure.”
An attack-minded left-back who idolises Tierney, Doig has also been linked with Leeds United, Manchester City and Celtic, while Hibernian chairman Ron Gordon has confirmed Leicester City’s interest in the coveted teenager.
Meanwhile, could the future of Doig be tied into a new partnership signed between Hibernian and Premier League club Brighton that will focus on player development, as reported by Leeds Live?
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