Hibs starlet Josh Doig has been forced to withdraw from the Scotland Under-21 squad, with the teenager admitting the move has left him 'gutted'.
Doig has cemented his reputation as one of the most exciting young players in Scottish football at the moment, with Premier League sides Watford and Arsenal, as well as Italian giants AC Milan, among clubs credited with an interest in signing him.
The 19-year-old played a crucial part in the Hibees finishing third in this season's Premiership, as well as their run to the Scottish Cup final, with his outstanding for rewarded in the shape of an international call-up to Scot Gemmill's Under-21 side.
The former Queens Park defender has just one cap for Scotland, at under-18 level, but it turns out he won't be taking part in the upcoming Under-21 double-header against Northern Ireland after being forced off in the 76th minute of last Saturday's Cup final defeat to St. Johnstone with a heel injury.
Speaking via the official Hibs website, Doig said: “Obviously I’m gutted not to be involved in these games coming up but it’s still a massive honour to be included in the Scotland U21 squad.
“I’m working hard to get back to full fitness and hopefully I can build on what I’ve done this season and earn my place in future squads moving forward.
“I wish the guys all the best in the matches against Northern Ireland.”
Whilst Doig misses out, his new Hibs team-mate Daniel Mackay, who completes his move from Inverness Caledonian Thistle this summer after signing a pre-contract agreement with the Easter Road side, will link up with the rest of the Scotland U21 squad in Edinburgh on Saturday.
