Lee Johnson has revealed Christian Doidge could be on his way out of Hibs with “four or five” clubs keen on the Welsh striker.
But the Easter Road boss has left the door open to the 30-year-old to fight for a place in his side if he decides to stay. Nohan Kenneh – who spent the second half of last season on loan at Ross County – is another attracting interest from south of the border, although Johnson reckons the midfielder, now 20, still has a part to play in Leith. Doidge spent last term on loan at Kilmarnock but only netted three goals in 32 appearances for Derek McInnes’ side.
Johnson said “While you’re here, you always have an opportunity. But there’s been serious interest in Christian, there are four or five clubs trying to recruit him. Christian has a year left on his contract and, as a club, we honour that. If he stays because he or we don’t feel those offers are good enough, then, of course, he has every opportunity to stake his claim.”
Kenneh made 38 appearances across all competitions last season – half of those for County. Johnson added: “Nohan’s a good player to have in the squad because he is very flexible and can play any position in midfield and also centre-half.
“If you look at Nohan’s season last year, I’m not sure how many 19-year-old’s played 38 games at this level of football. That doesn’t really happen.
"If they do, like he did, it stands out to a lot of people and, again he’s another who is attracting interest from areas of Europe, particularly England. This is a tough league as well – I’ve played in it twice and now have managed in it.
“I really don’t know where the [poor]reputation comes from in England because it’s a good league. Lads come up here and it shocks them – the quality, tempo, passion and, in particular, the focus that’s on them and everyone else.
“That’s where they have to learn their way psychologically. At this level you’re piecing together a team of attributes and the sum of the parts have to be greater than the individual. But that individual has to bring their best and for some young players, including Nohan, they really need to focus on their strengths. When they do that, they add a lot of value to the team.”
