Hibs defender Josh Doig has admitted transfer speculation this summer played on his mind.
The left-back was linked with moves to Watford and Burnley with Celtic also rumoured to be in the conversation regarding his future.
Manager Jack Ross also hinted his performances had been somewhat affected due to the rumour mill and the 21-year-old - on Scotland duty ahead of their European Championship qualifier against Turkey next week - revealed he was shaken by the chat.
He said: “I was so happy at Hibs but there was a lot of talk and it was playing on my mind a wee bit. Obviously there was talk right up to the end of the window, so being away with Scotland after the transfer window has taken me away from all of that.
“It’s great to be here just focusing on training and being away with the boys. Being away has really helped me after all the speculation.”
Doig was called up to Scot Gemmill’s squad in May but had to pull out through injury. He is excited about the prospect of making his debut for the under-21s.
He said: “We’re absolutely buzzing for it, you can feel it in the team. For a lot of the boys, including myself, it’s our first time with the 21s so there’s a real energy and excitement about the group.
“I’m really looking forward to it. I was gutted I couldn’t join up with the squad in May. It was just after the Scottish Cup final and I was in a boot for a bit because I’d done something to my heel.
“That made me more eager to get away this time and prove myself in the squad. It’s exciting.”
Doig already has his eye on making the transition from the under-21s to the full Scotland squad.
He said: “When you watch the A team playing at the Euros it’s inspiring for any young Scottish boy. To be away with the 21s, who are so close to that, and to be in a qualifying group with teams like Turkey, Belgium and Denmark, it’s mental.
“The main goal is to get into the full squad. Boys like Ryan Porteous back at Hibs and Lewis Ferguson have gone from the 21s to the A squad recently and previously Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney, who both play my position, have come through the Scotland age-groups.
“It’s inspiring for myself because it shows the pathway is there. You see people who have played for the 21s who have gone on to play in top leagues so I know this is a massive opportunity to prove myself.”
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