It's a growing trend amongst Scottish players - and Josh Doig says the likes of him and Aaron Hickey trying their hand abroad can only be good for football's progression in this country.
The left-back completed a transfer from Hibs to Serie A side Hellas Verona this week, following in the footsteps of Easter Road hero Liam Henderson and ex-Hearts youth teammate Hickey in swapping Scotland for Italy. Lewis Ferguson also moved to the division this week, joining Bologna from Aberdeen.
A theme has emerged in Scottish talent over the last few seasons as more begin to head for foreign adventures rather than traditional moves to England. Scotland international Jack Hendry departed Celtic for Belgian side Oostende and played Champions League football with Club Brugge last year while U21s youngster Lewis Fiorini penned a Manchester City contract extension until 2026 off the back of a loan to Holland and NAC Breda in 2020. Several Scots are also in America's MLS.
READ MORE: Hibs receive 'one of highest sales figures ever' for Josh Doig as Hellas Verona deal details emerge
Most recently, Hickey's 2020 move to Bologna from Hearts paid off to the tune of an eight-figure transfer to Premier League club Brentford. He's now better for two seasons of development abroad and Hickey has earned another life-changing move.
Doig moved to Hibs after release from Hearts as a youngster because of Hickey's progress in the left-back position, and says he's spoken with his former teammate over what life is like in Italy.
Speaking exclusively to Edinburgh Live, Doig said: "He (Hickey) messaged me a few days ago just to say congratulations on the move and different things. I asked him a few questions about it.
"He said the first few months are all about just trying to get settled and learning about the new culture, the new way of playing. There's new surroundings and a new city as well.
"He was good. He has given me a few tips here and there. It's exciting times for myself and you just have to embrace things like. I am so excited."
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Doig senses the rising number of Scottish players trying their hand abroad - whether that be in Italy or elsewhere - and reckons that can only be a good thing.
While moves to England will still be commonplace, there are growing opportunities for players to test their skills outside a UK comfort zone.
Doig explained: "It's exciting times for Scottish football. We are broadening our horizons and expanding them in that sense.
"It just shows that the Scottish game is developing into something more with these players. There are a lot of exciting guys coming out of it.
"Scottish football is definitely getting there."
Hibs have pocketed what Easter Road chief executive Ben Kensell describes as a 'really significant' fee for him and Doig's exit from Leith has been long spoken of.
Previous head coach Jack Ross left the 2021 SFWA Young Player of the Year out of his first Premiership squad of last season against Motherwell as a transfer neared, but eventually it collapsed and Doig stayed put.
It was a tough year for Hibs last term as they finished in the bottom six but this summer, their now former player couldn't have been happier with how they deal with his departure.
He added: "Hibs were amazing with me. We all knew what happened last year and they were amazing. Ben Kensell, Ron Gordon (executive chairman) and Ian Gordon (head of recruitment) put lots of work in to make this move happen.
"I have a lot of thanks and appreciation for them. It's a new place for me but I am going to get myself a nice flat, a car, all this kind of stuff to make me feel at home.
"I like to take on new challenges for myself so I don't think adaptation will be too hard for myself."
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