Hibs striker Kevin Nisbet refuses to have head turned by English suitors

Kevin Nisbet says he would ignore the speculation linking him with a move away from Easter Road but it’s not that easy when his Hibs team-mates turn news of every fresh suitor into a welcome excuse to take the mickey.

Hibs striker Kevin Nisbet has faith in his own ability and sees no reason to rush at first opportunity to move on. Photo by Mark Scates / SNS Group

“I’ve had a wee bit of stick off the lads, just banter – and that’s a good way to deal with it. Especially after the last two defeats. It helps us to get back together and find a bit of unity.”

Those last two losses have been damning not just because they cost them the chance to pile pressure on third-placed Aberdeen but because the displays have amplified their fans disquiet.

Nisbet, who remains one the Premiership’s top scorers, with 10 goals in 20 appearances, last scored in the victory over St Mirren, prior to Christmas. Without his goals the European hopefuls have drawn a blank in the last three outings and with goals being leaked at the other end, they head into tonight’s league meeting with Celtic, hoping to avoid the unwanted statistic of four straight losses since their relegation season, in 2014.

But, while Nisbet has not been immune to the recent dip in form, he says the lull between games, afforded the capital side by Celtic’s Dubai trip, has injected energy back into the side who started the season in such positive form.

Nisbet was a huge part of that, with his overall play simply augmenting his value in front of goal.

That has earned him admiring looks. Sunderland have joined Sheffield United on the list of interested parties but, with just half a season under his belt at the Leith club, the 23-year-old striker says he is not looking to manufacture a move and claims that allowing the rumours to turn his head would be disrespectful to a club who have aided his development since signing from Dunfermline in the summer.

“I’ve only been here for six months so I think it might be a bit too soon for me. I’m really enjoying myself here and I want to go and have success with Hibs, I want to win cups so it’s just a matter of putting it to the side until matters are taken out of my hands, if that happens.

“I have put it to the side and I’m focusing on the Celtic game. My focus is on getting Hibs up the league.”

While the bright lights and big finances associated with the English game prove too hard for many players to resist, there is a calmness in the player that stems from an inner confidence, work ethic and a clear vision of a brighter future.

“Yeah, I definitely have long-term goals and a bit of patience. I always trust my gut and when it comes to decisions and the time to move, I will follow my instincts.

“That’s what brought me here in the first place, my instinct to join Hibs – and knock back a few clubs down south in the process. That has worked out for me, so I’ll always trust myself when it comes to making that kind of decision.

“I’m very happy here. I’ve settled in great and feel like I’ve fit in very, very well, and I think we’ve got a lot to accomplish this season.”

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