Josh Doig on his new Hibs role and why facing Hearts is 'biggest game in world’

The fixture that can never come around quickly enough for players and fans, the fact that Hibs and Hearts have been kept waiting for the latest derby, has only intensified the usual buzz of excitement.

Supposed to be played at New Year before the winter break was shifted to minimise the impact of covid on the match day experience, Tuesday night’s derby, under the Easter Road lights, is eagerly anticipated.

But while he describes the capital head to head as “the biggest game in the world to me”, Edinburgh lad Josh Doig will try to approach it like any other.

“I’m nervous before any game, I’ve been like that since I was a young boy," admitted the Hibs defender, "but it’s good to be nervous before a game. You can use that energy.

“The fans will be more rowdy but it’s just football, isn’t it? For me, it’s the same as playing down the park.”

Except his mates are professionals, thousands of punters will be watching and there is more than bragging rights at stake.

It is very different from last season, when Hibs were in the ascendancy, a division above, and the only meeting was in a vacuous Hampden.

Now, Hibs are the team chasing, and a home win is necessary to prevent Robbie Neislon’s third-placed men extending their advantage. And just as there was when the pair served up a 0-0 draw at Tynecastle in September, the stadium will be full of passionate fans.

“They don’t get any less exciting,” Doig added.

“It’s massive for Hibs and the whole team is buzzing. We just want to get to Tuesday and play. There’s a great energy about the group just now.”

Having made his impressive breakthrough at a time when covid restrictions left the stands lifeless and silent, this season was always going to be a test for the teenager. But it is not