New Hibs defender Tom James thinks his opponents are in for a tough time this season if playing against Chris Doidge is anything to go by.
The Welshmen are teammates at Hibs now, but were up against each other for the last two seasons in English League Two: James at the back for Yeovil and Doidge up front for Forest Green Rovers.
The striker arrives at Easter Road with some pressure on his shoulders after Paul Heckingbottom paid £350,000 for the striker.
A missed penalty in a friendly against Arbroath wasn’t the best start, but he netted his first goal in green and white during the 4-3 midweek win at Carlisle.
James is confident the player he’s come up against so many times has what it takes to be a success in Scotland.
“For the last two years, we had a wee rivalry but it’s good to be playing with him and see how good he really is in training and in the games,” he said.
“He’s definitely a tough opponent. I don’t want to praise him up too much as he’ll probably see this but he is one of the toughest strikers I have played against when I was playing centre half so it’s good to have him for ourselves.”
Given his background, Doidge appears built to handle the rough and tumble of football north of the border.
James added: “That’s something that was said to me at the very start, that it’s quite a physical league but having played in League Two, him and I, I’m sure he will fit in really well.”
Doidge’s finish at Brunton Park was described as something of the Welshman’s trademark and James hopes it’s a regular occurrence for his new club. “I have seen highlights of him doing that week in week out down south in League Two and he’s done that in his third game of pre-season.
“It’s a good start for him to get off the mark and I’m sure we will see more.”
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