Goal hero Nisbet says criticism from ex Hibs boss Collins is ‘laughable’
Kevin Nisbet last night dismissed John Collins’ criticism of his work ethic as “laughable” after firing Hibs into the Scottish Cup Final.
The Scotland internationalist scored the Leith side’s first goal and played a key role in their second in the 2-0 win over Dundee United.
His contribution played a huge part in securing the place against the winners of today’s tie between St Mirren and St Johnstone.
And it was the perfect riposte for the ex Hibs manager and star player who had hinted at the striker at times being guilty of lazy performances.
“I read them and don’t know what he’s thinking there,” said Nisbet.
“Everyone is entitled to their opinion but I just ignored it – it doesn’t really matter to me.
“I don’t think being lazy is something that could ever be labelled against me.
“From where I’ve come from, I’ve worked really hard in the last few years. In fact, I think it’s my work ethic that’s got me here.
“For him to say that, it’s just laughable, to be honest.”
The 24-year-old is reported to be a summer signing for Brentford and they and his other admirers could hardly fail to have been impressed by his part in the two goals.
“For my goal, I took a great first touch which sets me up for the finish.
“I just saw the opening, I put it through the legs and once I’ve done that the keeper’s not got a chance of getting it.
“I’m delighted it went in. It settled us down and we went on from there.
“The second goal summed up the season for our forward line. The link-up was great.
“Boyley (Martin Boyle) coming on to it, into me, back to Boyley, through to Doidgey (Christian Doidge) and goal.
“I just think we’ve been the focal point for us this season. We’ve taken it on our
shoulders to score the goals and we’ve kept producing.
“Now we’re in a Scottish Cup final. “I’m delighted. We lost two semi-finals already this year and we didn’t want to have that feeling again. It was horrible.
“To go through that experience and win this one today is just a massive relief for everyone at the club.
“We are through to the final and it’s up to us to go and win it and we feel really confident that we can do just that.
“We’re a team that looks hungry. We were off the boil against St Johnstone last week but we’re really hungry for success.
“We’re delighted to get there and we believe we can win it. We don’t care who we get, it’ll be up to us on the day.
“If we could then go on and win a Scottish Cup it would make us one of the most successful Hibs teams in history.
“We are delighted but it’s not finished.”
Nisbet will have an additional motivation for wanting to do well on his return to the national stadium on May 22.
Scotland have home ties in the Euros against both Croatia and the Czech Republic and a repeat of his semi-final form in the showpiece would be a timely reminder to international team boss Steve Clarke of what he has to offer the country.
“Scotland is always at the back of my mind but I need to keep it there just now,” he said with a smile.