Hibee Nisbet aims to shatter the Gers’ clean-sheet record
Hibs striker Kevin Nisbet cherishes each one of his four goals this season after making the step up to the Premiership during the summer.
But Nisbet admits there is no denying that becoming the first player to score against Rangers and end their record-breaking cleansheet run would be hugely satisfying.
That is the challenge facing the 23-year-old today, when Steven Gerrard’s table-toppers travel to Easter Road for a tantalising showdown.
The Ibrox side have already created a new domestic record by going seven games without having to pick the ball out of the net.
But just like every striker with an insatiable appetite for goals, Nisbet would relish the chance to bring that run to a halt.
He is in confident mood, too, having made a seamless transition from the Championship, where he scored 23 goals for Dunfermline last season.
“That would be good, to be the first player to score against them,” declared Nisbet.
“I think you need to go out wanting to score against every team.
“For me, it’s just another team that’s in front of me, and I will want to stick a couple past them.
“But for the team, it’s just about playing well, and focusing on getting the three points, however that happens.
“If we win 1-0 with a deflection, we’ll take it and move on to Celtic.
“Towards the end of the week, we do a lot of work on the opposition.
“We do a bit of analysis Wednesday, Thursday and then we’ll have stuff sent out to us and look at where we can exploit them.”
Nisbet only had to wait until the second game to get off and running, netting a memorable hat-trick in the 4-1 thrashing of Livingston.
That helped settle any nerves.
He also missed two games with a hamstring strain, but said: “It’s been a good start. It’s been great not just for me but the club too.
“It’s good for a striker to score goals and that’s what I’ve been doing.
“It’s important to get the first goal and for me that came with a hat-trick against Livingston.
“Then I got injured, which wasn’t great but I’ve picked up on that form and hopefully I can take it into Sunday.”
Despite the obvious step up in quality, Nisbet insists there had been no big surprises in the top-flight.
He added: “It’s big step up from the Championship. But I believe in myself, and I’m confident I can do it.
“Physically, I think it’s about the same as you have a lot of big boys in the Championship, too.
“There are some good players, too, and there is more of a tactical and technical side that is a step up.
“You’re playing against more-experienced players, internationals too. So you need to raise your game.
“I think I’ve done that and I’m looking forward to taking on Rangers.”