Ross denies fall out with Hibs goal hero
Jack Ross insists there has never been any friction between Hibs and striker Kevin Nisbet, despite a January transfer request from yesterday’s Dingwall matchwinner.
Nisbet ended a barren run of eight games without a goal by tucking away the winner in the Highlands to give the Edinburgh club’s hopes of a third place finish a massive shot in the arm.
The 24 year-old–wanted by Birmingham City before the January transfer window closed – had last hit the back of the net in the January 11 draw at Celtic Park.
His timely contribution from the bench was his 14th of the season and a reminder there could be fresh interest in him come the summer.
Ross stressed:“kevin was subject to significant interest. For a young player, that was head- turning but there was never any issue for either Kevin or the club.
“He knows he can be part of a team that finishes third and he’s edging towards 15 goals, towards top scorer in the league.
“If he does that, I’m sure there will be opportunities again.
“Kevin was disappointed not to start. “He’s trained really well and carried it into the game - he was great when he came on.
“I’m delighted he scored because that’s what he thrives on.
“Kevin is a young man who has had a fairly steep upward curve in his career – and rightly so.
“The rewards that are on offer on the other side of the border are fairly significant.
“For any individual that is going to be head-turning.
“There was never any issue – I was still supportive of what he had to consider.
“Today’s selection wasn’t a reflection on him, but the playing conditions were more suitable for starting Christian.”
Ross, who rubbished opposite number John Hughes’ claims of a dive for Hibs’ penalty by Martin Boyle, added: “I thought we were excellent in the first half, really dominant.
“In the second half the game becomes open.
“You might say it wasn’t pretty, but I thought we were excellent.”