Hibs rising star Josh Doig admits the speculation over his future affected his form in the final weeks of the transfer window.
The left-back has impressed under manager Jack Ross and at just 19 is expected to have a big future in the game.
Doig was linked with a move to the English Premier League in the summer, with West Ham United and Burnley said to be interested.
But the 19-year-old was always happy to stay at Easter Road, and admits getting away with the Scotland Under-21 team has allowed him to take his mind off things.
Doig said: "Being away has really helped me after all the speculation.
"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 has taken me away from all that."
Doig has made 42 appearances for the Hibees, scoring once.
He was named the Scottish Football Writers' Association Player of the Year last season and will hope to make his first Under-21 appearance for the national team this month.
