Josh Doig relishing McTominay and Gilmour Napoli battle as Scots thriving in Italy offers pathway for next top talents
Josh Doig can't wait to get back into Serie A to get a crack at Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour.
The Scotland new boy, who made his debut against Liechtenstein on Monday, won't have to wait too long because newly-promoted Sassuolo will entertain the Italian champions at home on the opening day of the new Serie A season.
Doig was with McTominay and Gilmour in the international squad and now he will face up to the title-winning pair on his return to the Italian top-flight.
He said: 'I have just found out about Napoli. It will be our first game at home, so that will be a good one for us Scottish boys.
'It is a big game and the kind of match you want to play in. Scott and Billy will be coming to us.'
Doig helped Sassuolo win Serie B and has been part of a massive success story for the Scots in Italy last season.
The Napoli pair had their success while Lewis Ferguson also won the cup with Bologna.
The full-back said: 'It's been some impact, the Scottish boys have made out in Italy.
'We seem to just go over and thrive, which is a good thing for us Scots, We've got a good name over there, obviously Scotty and Billy are big names.
'Che (Adams) is doing well, Liam (Henderson) and Fergie as well. So many Scottish players over there just now are making their mark.
'For young boys coming through, it's a place that you can look at and there's opportunities there. It's exciting times.'
The pathway was all kicked off by the success of Aaron Hickey at Bologna. He also convinced Doig to get his passport out.
He said: 'Hickey kicked it off. It seems to be a good market for them. When I first went over I spoke to Hickey.
'He said it's just such a different lifestyle altogether, but I'm loving it, absolutely loving it. I couldn't be happier over there.'
Doig and Andy Irving could have made some unique Scottish football history when they made their national team debuts this week.
The close friends both made their international bows together coming on in a double change in Monday's 4-0 win over Liechtenstein.
The pair attended Newcraighall Primary School at the same time although Irving was a couple of years above.
They were still close as their dads are best pals, having played football together with Edinburgh City.
Doig said: 'It was just after half-time. Myself and Andy got the shout. It is funny because we are both really close.
'I grew up with Andy all the way through primary school and we have been pals for ages.
'It was Newcraighall Primary School. There are only about 100 people there, which is what makes it so crazy because it's so small. It's a nice story for the school, Andy and myself.
'Andy's two years older but we grew up together. His dad and my dad are best friends. They played together at Edinburgh City and stuff.
'I'm talking primary school to spending every New Year together, so it's just mental for us to come on and make our Scotland debuts at the same time.
'We were like, 'Oh my God.' We didn't know what to say. I'm buzzing for Andy and myself.'
Doig has been in several Scotland squads previously and is delighted to have finally got that elusive cap.
The former Hibs youngster said: 'I'm so happy, I can't put it into words. I am delighted.
'I was saying that to some of the boys, you never know if you're going to get on and obviously, I've been in a few squads.
'I'm just absolutely bursting with pride. We knew we had a job to do, obviously, but I was like, this is unbelievable.
'You just need to try and calm yourself down. I came on a 3-0 up, so it was a good time to come on. I just wanted to go and perform.
'I came out the blocks at 100mph. I was bursting with pride to just get on the pitch, finally, for my national team.'
Doig's mum and dad missed his big afternoon with Steve Clarke's squad and had to watch the action unfold from their holiday resort but he has promised them his first shirt.
He said: 'They are in Ibiza. They were at the Iceland game at Hampden and they already had the holidays booked.
'They didn't know if I would play or not and as I say they had this holiday booked.
'They were all watching it on television. My sister was there, everyone, so I am absolutely delighted.
'So they were celebrating on Monday night in Ibiza. I texted my mum and dad right after the game and they were delighted for me.'
Doig's first international appearance caps off what has been a top season, having helped Sassuolo to the title and back into Serie A next season.
The former Verona player said: 'It's been mad with the obvious ups and downs but to get promoted at the end of it and obviously to get capped now, it's just been such a good season for myself.
'As I have said, it's my first trophy that I have won with a team, so that's a first, and then obviously I have come here and got my first Scotland cap.
'I'm just bursting with pride to get it all done and obviously now I need to focus on next season.
'I am looking forward to going back to Sassuolo after our promotion back to Serie A.
'Doing well there next season will hopefully keep me in the Scotland squad.
'There are three camps to go this year so I obviously want to push to try and get in.'
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