MX23RW : Friday, November 22 22:18:18| >> :120:55616:55616:

Callum Booth admits he benefited from Josh Doig's move to Hibs

Callum Booth admits he benefited from Josh Doig's move to Hibs
© Reuters
Hibernian left-back Josh Doig has been named the Scottish Football Writers' Association young player of the year.

Josh Doig's sliding doors moment saw him turn down the chance to star for St Johnstone – but Callum Booth is just relieved it opened up the chance for him to lift the Scottish Cup.

Hibernian ace Doig has been named the Scottish Football Writers' Association young player of the year after his stunning breakthrough campaign.

But it is only two years since the teenage left-back was released by Hearts after being deemed surplus to requirements at Tynecastle.

That bitter blow was softened when Doig was offered the chance to train with both St Johnstone and Dunfermline with a view to a quick-fire return to the professional ranks.

In the end, the 19-year-old eventually opted to take up an invitation to sign for Hibs – and he has not looked back since, with a string of top English clubs now watching his progress with interest.

But Doig's decision to knock back Saints has now turned the handle on Booth's chances of landing another medal, as the Betfred Cup winners look to double up in Saturday's Scottish Cup final against the Easter Road men.

The 29-year-old defender has had a turbulent time since leaving Partick Thistle in 2018. He saw a move to Dundee United cut short after just a year while a switch to Bury also fell through after the Shakers' financial implosion saw them booted out of the EFL.

He is now enjoying a dream campaign with Callum Davidson's team – but admits he may never have got his chance had his opposite number at Hibs decided his future lay in Perth.

"I didn't know Josh was in at St Johnstone," said Booth, who started his own career out at Hibs. "It's maybe a good thing he didn't sign for Saints – I might not be here.

"He's a really good player, a powerful boy and still only 19, so he's got a lot of development to go.

"Speaking to a couple of boys at Hibs I'm still good friends with, he seems a really level-headed boy off the pitch.

"So it's good to see him progressing so well. Hopefully he has a good career – after Saturday!

"It's been a bit of a roller coaster couple of years, especially these past few months since Christmas, which have been unbelievable.

"You don't really have too much time to think about it when you're in the moment. You just try to enjoy the moment and I really have as St Johnstone is a great club.

"But I'd never have thought I'd be sitting here going for a cup double a couple of years ago.

"It's a great position to be in. We just need to get the job done now."

ID:448474: cacheID:448474:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3961:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Matt Macey pictured in October 2014
Read Next:
Matt Macey keen to emulate Conrad Logan in Scottish Cup final
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
FT
Steelers
19-24
Browns
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Celtic1110103132831
2Aberdeen11101024101431
3RangersRangers11713168822
4Dundee UnitedDundee Utd125431813519
5Motherwell116141514119
6St Mirren134361722-515
7Dundee123361824-612
8Kilmarnock123361525-1012
9Ross County132651021-1112
10St Johnstone133191627-1110
11Hearts132381420-69
12Hibernian121561118-78


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!