Nisbet is proud to fulfil the promise he made to his dad

FIRST SCOTLAND CALL-UP POIGNANT FOR HIBS STRIKER

OVERLOOKED at every age level prior to being called up to Steve Clarke’s squad last week, the prospect of playing against Austria on Thursday would have meant the world to Kevin Nisbet in any event.

Five months on from the untimely loss of his father Thomas, however, the occasion will be layered with even more poignancy and pride.

‘He was a huge fan,’ said the Hibs forward. ‘When he was younger, he used to go to all the Scotland games.

‘I still have pictures of him when they played England down there. He will be very proud of me now that I have the call. He always said to me: “You are going to play for Scotland one day. Go and get yourself in the Scotland set-up”. It was one of the last conversations we had together.

‘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.’

Nisbet’s very involvement in the squad this week is testament to his own resolve and support network.

A Partick Thistle youth player, who had spells on loan at East Stirlingshire, Ayr United and Dumbarton, he might well have been lost to the game when he was released by the Firhill club when they were relegated in 2018.

His renaissance over single seasons at Raith Rovers and Dunfermline was spectacular.

Hibs had to muscle their way to the front of the queue to part with their £250,000 last summer. They could already have reaped a handsome return for that investment had they not stonewalled Birmingham in January.

That other lucrative offers to play down south will follow is inevitable. For now, though, the chance of pulling on a dark blue jersey would be an experience money couldn’t buy.

‘It will be a big moment for me and my family,’ added the 23-year-old (right). ‘I think they are very proud of me and I know my dad will be looking down on me very proud as well. He always had faith in me. He always said I would make it even when I was in a hole after being released by Thistle. He always said I would bounce back. I am just delighted to have kept a promise to him.’

His journey to the brink of full international recognition has been anything but conventional.

From Stranraer to Brechin and from Forfar to Methil, Nisbet had to earn his reputation the hard way. This adds to the sense of satisfaction. ‘Being released from Thistle when I was young was probably the best thing that ever happened to me,’ he said. ‘The penny dropped that it was about going and getting regular game-time.

‘I’ve always had confidence in my ability to score goals. It was just having the chance to prove that. I’ve been on an upward curve the last few years.’

While Partick’s demotion three years ago worked against him, he admits he could have done more in those formative years.

‘When I was younger, I don’t think my attitude was great,’ he said. ‘I think that’s why I did drop down. As soon as I dropped down, it was about getting back up there as quick as possible. Did I think it was going to be this quick? Probably not. But after the last few seasons, anything is possible. I’ve got my first Scotland call-up and I’m here to prove myself.’ The 14 goals he’s contributed to Hibs’ fine season to date would be commendable anyway but they require greater perspective. Not only has Nisbet had to deal with the awful loss of his father, Birmingham’s interest in him could have proved unsettling. ‘At the time, it (the potential move) was a massive opportunity and it didn’t work out,’ he said. ‘The day after the transfer window, I put it behind me and my attitude was spot on,’ he said. ‘I’m here on merit with the season I’ve had,’ added Nisbet. ‘I feel it’s the right time for me. It’s about doing well here then going back to Hibs and getting top goalscorer.’