Hibernian youngster Josh Doig revealed he received a pat on the back from James Tavernier after keeping the Rangers captain "out the game" during their Boxing Day meeting at Ibrox.
The teenager returned to Jack Ross' starting line up for the first time in over a month in the Easter Road side's 1-0 defeat, but continued his breakthrough campaign with a solid performance up against the Scottish Premiership's leading scorer - hitting the upright with a first half cross.
The 18-year-old has faced a fight for the left back slot with Sean Mackie and veteran Lewis Stevenson after starting the season as the Leith side's surprise first choice.
But he admitted he took confidence from the plaudits handed out by Tavernier and Gers boss Steven Gerrard as he looks to solidify his place in the Hibs side.
He said: "Tavernier congratulated me after the game and said ‘well done’. I know how well he is doing this season. He is a player I will study because of how good his delivery is and the number of chances he gets in front of goal.
“He is a great player to watch. He is absolutely flying.
“Before the game I was thinking ‘oh no it’s Tavernier what’s he going to do?’
“But I was happy I kept him out the game and not give him as many chances as he is used to."
Doig added: “I was buzzing afterwards. He is an experienced player and even seeing the likes of Steven Gerrard after the game, it’s a weird experience.
“He said ‘well done’ as well.”
The defender started the year on loan at Queen's Park, where he was converted from centre half to wing back by Ray McKinnon before the coronavirus pandemic abruptly ended the campaign.
Doig caught the eye of manager Jack Ross in pre-season, leading to a first team debut in the win over Kilmarnock on the opening day.
A run of nine straight starts ended amid rotation between the teenager, Mackie and Stevenson, but Doig insists he is enjoying the pressure of being pushed for his place every week.
He said: "It’s good having that competition for the left-back spot.
"Me and Lewis talk all the time. He is brilliant with me. Always talking to me at training, before games, after games - he is always there to give me tips. I couldn’t ask for any more.
"Lewis told me he’s been in and out the team all through his Hibs career and you just can’t let it get to you. With such a long career ahead of me I can’t let it get to me. It’s not that big a thing for a young player.
He added: "The gaffer showed his faith in me by putting me back in at Ibrox against one of the top players in the country. It’s good to know he has that faith in me.
“I have been through it in my youth team days - I know when you are out the team you need to put the head down and work to impress the manager and coaching staff. It gives you drive to get back in the team as well.”
