Nisbet vows to round off season with a bang

FEW players in Scotland have more at stake in the closing month of this season than Hibernian striker Kevin Nisbet.

The burgeoning 24-year-old has the chance to cap a memorable first year at Easter Road by helping the Edinburgh side secure a third-place finish in the Premiership for the first time since 2005, while Jack Ross’s team can also make it to a fourth consecutive semi-final after Sunday’s 4-0 victory at Stranraer set up a Scottish Cup quarter-final at home to Motherwell this weekend.

In addition, Nisbet – who was the subject of a failed January bid from Birmingham City – has personal targets to strive for. With 16 goals to his name so far, he is eager to hit the 20 landmark for a third consecutive season after achieving the feat with Raith Rovers and Dunfermline Athletic. He knows further strikes this term will enhance his reputation and his prospects of remaining in the Scotland squad for this summer’s Euros after he made his debut as a substitute in last month’s 4-0 win over the Faroe Islands.

“There are a few games left so I’d say 20 is probably a realistic target,” said Nisbet, who netted at Stair Park on Sunday. “Since I came back from international duty I’ve felt fresh and sharp. I’m just trying to put in performances to keep myself in the mind of Steve Clarke for the Euros. It was a good experience going away with Scotland.”

Nisbet is bracing himself for a huge finish to the season. His side can take a big step towards securing third place if they win at home to Livingston tomorrow and then they have another high-stakes fixture this weekend when Motherwell visit in the Scottish Cup.

“It’s a massive period coming up,” said Nisbet. “We’re third, have a big game Wednesday and we want to win the cup. I’ve been close a few times with semi-finals and you want to get further and bring the Scottish Cup back to Edinburgh.”

Hibs’ cause is helped by the fact they have three in-form attackers who have all hit double figures for the season. As well as 16-goal Nisbet, Christian Doidge has 11 and Martin Boyle has 14. Between them, this trio have accounted for almost two-thirds of Hibs’ goals this term. “It’s great being part of this attack,” said Nisbet.