NISBET: DAD WOULD BE SO PROUD OF ME
KEVIN NISBET has fulfilled the last promise he made to his late father just by being here in Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad.
Now he plans to go one better by proving he really does belong on the international stage.
The 24-year-old Hibs striker may have been a surprise inclusion in Clarke’s plans for three World Cup qualifiers against Austria, Israel and the Faroe Islands but he’s determined to hit the ground running in a dark blue shirt just like his old man Thomas always knew he would.
Nisbet said: “My dad was a huge Scotland fan.
“When he was younger he used to go to all the games. He has always said to me, ‘You are going to play for Scotland one day.’
“It was one of the last conversations we had, ‘Go and get yourself in the Scotland set-up.’
“I am obviously happy to have fulfilled a promise I made to him. I have got myself here and now it’s time to show what I can do and keep myself there.
“It will be a big moment for me and my family if I get the chance to play.
“They are very proud of me and I know my dad will be looking down on me very proud as well.
“He always said that I would make it even when I was in a hole after being released by Partick Thistle.
“He always had faith in me. I’m just delighted to have kept a promise to him.”
Nisbet’s call-up caps a stunning first season at Easter Road following his summer move from Dunfermline.
He may have come up the hard way but insists he has arrived at the top on merit.
He added: “Being released from Thistle when I was young was probably the best thing that ever happened to me.
“The penny dropped for me and it was about going and getting regular games.
“When I was younger, I don’t think my attitude was that great if I’m honest. That’s why I did drop down.
“As soon as I did it was about getting back up there as quick as possible.
“Did I think it was going to be this quick? Probably not. But I think after the last few seasons, anything is possible. I’ve got my first Scotland call-up and I’m here to prove myself.”