I had a bad attitude... now I play each game like it’s my last
IF Kevin Nisbet is selected to start in Torshavn tonight, the compact Torsvollur Stadium will offer a timely reminder of the way things used to be for him.
As an emerging forward with Partick Thistle, he knew little other than spartan surroundings throughout loan spells with East Stirlingshire, Ayr United and Dumbarton.
Had the lightbulb moment not arrived soon after being cut adrift by the Maryhill club, his talent may never have got the audience it deserved.
The first step towards personal redemption came at Stark’s Park in 2018 with the journey gathering pace through his time with Dunfermline and Hibernian.
A likely partnership with Lyndon Dykes on World Cup duty in the Faroe Islands for Scotland this evening will put more distance between him and those largely wasteful teenage years. There is no going back now.
‘I think it was probably my attitude,’ the 24-year-old reflected. ‘I’ve said a few times now that it wasn’t what it should have been for a professional.
‘I changed that and experience comes with playing games, going to Raith. That’s what’s kicked me on.
‘I’ve fixed my attitude and now I’m in the Scotland set-up and playing with Hibs. I just need to keep it going.
‘I think it appreciate it more when it hasn’t come so easily. Back then, I took things for granted.
‘I was the up-and-coming thing in Scottish football. Now that I’ve been down the low levels, I don’t want to go back there.
‘I want to keep playing at the highest level possible. I appreciate it a lot more and treat every game like it’s my last.’
The reward for this change in approach has arrived in the shape of eight full international caps coming his way — three of which came from the bench in the Euros.
The three successive victories Steve Clarke’s squad have pieced together since losing in Denmark last month have considerably shortened the odds on Nisbet being present when the Greatest Show on Earth rolls into Qatar next year.
The player is respectful of the hurdles that have yet to be cleared before that becomes reality but sees no reason to doubt the mettle of this group.
‘It would be enormous,’ he added. ‘This is now a group of boys who have been together for a long time and we’re starting to show that we are a very good team and we’re really hard to beat.
‘Obviously, the Euros was our first major tournament in a long, long time and we don’t want to stop there. We want to qualify for more major tournaments soon and I think this is the best group of boys to go and do that. The first World Cup I can remember is probably South Africa 2010.
‘I remember South Africa scoring a belter in their first game and the great Spain team winning it. It is incredible to now be a part of that.
‘There’s still a long way ahead, a lot of really tough games coming up and the play-offs will be really tough if we get there. But, hopefully, we can do it.’
If it does come to pass, no step will feel more significant than Saturday’s epic victory over Israel.
Winning a game that seesawed throughout would simply have been beyond many Scotland teams of the past. However imperfect their display at times, the reserves of character and courage this current group possess are truly awe-inspiring.
‘To get the goal the way we did was incredible,’ reflected Nisbet, an unused substitute as Scott McTominay struck in stoppage time.
‘You’re always more nervous watching but it was electric and the fans got right behind us.
‘I think that gave us the edge towards the end going for the winner. Thankfully, big Scotty did it and got us the three points.
‘We’re really happy. We’re sitting four points ahead and it’s in our hands to go and finish the job. We’ve got some tough games coming up away to the Faroes and away to Moldova and at home to Denmark.
‘It’s not over yet but it’s up to us to go and finish the campaign strongly.’
Sitting 114th in the FIFA rankings, the Faroe Islands would never be confused with the international game’s heavy hitters but it would be folly to consider tonight’s clash as a fait accompli.
Even after a 4-0 defeat at Hampden in March, there was much to admire about Hakan Ericson’s side. Until John McGinn effectively settled the affair with the second goal eight minutes into the second half, they made for awkward, obdurate opponents.
‘They’re a good team,’ stressed Nisbet. ‘They keep the ball well and they have some good players who play at a decent level.
‘It’s going to be tough. Teams who go away to the Faroes don’t win comfortably. We need to be at it from the first whistle and put some dominance in the game.
‘I think you just need to keep the ball moving and keep things quick. We need to go in with the same mindset we had against Israel.
‘Every game now is a cup final towards the end of the campaign.’
Irrespective of the reputation of the opposition, international football is always hugely demanding. But where once Nisbet lacked the requisite application to succeed at this level, he is now inspired by the challenges.
‘You need to be a lot sharper, quicker and stronger at international level,’ he said. ‘As soon as you go up the levels, everything sort of multiplies by ten.
‘You need to think quicker and act quicker. Especially when you are playing with boys who are playing in the Premier League and have won Champions Leagues and are playing week-in week-out at a very high level — the level you want to get to.
‘But I think I’ve settled in well. I’ve been in a couple of camps now and I’m really enjoying it.’
His Easter Road team-mate Martin Boyle can also attest to the joys of lighting up the international stage.
Having opted to play for Australia, the winger has quickly become an integral part of a squad which is presently sweeping everything before them as they try to nail down their own place in Qatar.
The prospect of Nisbet eyeballing his close friend under the gaze of the world next year is quite a thought.
‘The wee man is doing brilliantly at the moment,’ said Nisbet.
‘He’s scored a few for Australia as well, which is obviously helping them.
‘I think they’ve won 11 games in a row and it’s incredible for Boyley. It’s good for Hibs as well.
‘If he keeps up that form and I keep up my form and we bring it back to club business, it’s good for Hibs.
‘Of course I’d fancy facing him in Qatar but it’s up to us to get there first. We’ve got a long road ahead of us but we back ourselves to do it.’