Nisbet is still strolling through matches at 42

HE's older than David Weir but Scott Nisbet, the Edinburgh-born former Rangers defender, has no plans just yet to hang up his boots.

Now 42, Nisbet spends most of his time these days in Lanzarote, where he runs a successful soccer school in Playa Blanca.

But, currently back in the Capital for a pre-Christmas visit, he turned out last week for Arniston Rangers in the East Region Premier Division. He couldn't stop them from losing 4-2 to Broxburn, but Nisbet strolled through the game at the back and scored a peach of a goal after being moved into attack late on.

"I keep myself fit with the soccer school," he said. "I've been doing it for six years now. It's going well and we are looking to expand it. We get Brits, Spaniards, Germans, the lot.

"I've not cracked any of the languages yet - I just call them wee man and say por favor!"

Ironically, Nisbet, who grew up in Muirhouse and played for Salvesen Boys' Club, saw his professional career ended by a troublesome hip injury at the age of 25 and it still gives him bother, but he aims to keep playing for as long as his legs allow him.

"I still love it. Even in Lanzarote I love enjoy joining in games with the youngsters," he added.

"And I'm happy to help out Arniston whenever I'm back home for a few weeks."

They certainly need someone with his experience at the moment as the club tries to recover from the 9-0 defeat against Glenrothes that led to the sacking of manager Brian McNaughton.

"That was my first game after I came back home but it was 6-0 when I went on as a substitute, so it was nothing to do with me," he joked.

"It was a freak result and unfortunate that we lost the manager as a result of that.

"The club is in a bit of turmoil just now but I'm sure the committee will get it sorted out.

"We've got a great squad and play some good football. There's good young boys there and they just need the belief.

"We were 100 times better against Broxburn, though it certainly makes a difference when you've got 11 men on the park (they had three players sent off against Glenrothes]."

Nisbet is best remembered by Rangers fans for the fortuitous Champions League goal he scored against Brugge at Ibrox in 1993, his deflected effort looping over goalkeeper Dany Verlinden and finding the net.

But there was nothing lucky about his strike against Broxburn as he showed all the craft and composure of a top striker to beat Gary Malley with a superbly executed lob.

"I first started playing for Arniston nine years ago. I got asked to play in a Scottish Cup against Kilwinning and I'm still here," he said. "I've got a great understanding with the committee, they know I'm going to be abroad quite a bit. We all let the club down last week and ourselves, too, but hopefully we can all learn from that."

Nisbet's performance at New Albyn Park was noted by Max Christie, who took charge of Arniston following McNaughton's departure, and Broxburn boss Steve Pittman. "I thought he was outstanding," said Christie. "He's 42 years old and is our Davie Weir."

Pittman added: "Nisser played really well - and he's a good lad as well. I thought he strolled through the game on Saturday, though god help anyone who went out for a beer afterwards with him as he'd never stop talking about his goal.

"To be fair, it was a great finish - and he shouted over to me to tell me how good it was!"