Kevin returns, feeling like a new man
Kevin Nisbet is confident both his mental and physical scars have healed as he prepares to make his long-awaited competitive comeback from a serious knee injury, writes IAIN COLLIN.
The Scotland striker is expected to return following more than nine months out of Premiership action at Ibrox.
His absence was keenly felt by the Easter Road side who, without him, slumped to a bottom-six finish last season, and have struggled for consistency this term.
However, after a cautious and comprehensive rehabilitation, followed by friendly outings against Middlesbrough and Raith Rovers, Nisbet has confidence his anterior cruciate ligament is sufficiently recovered.
The 25-year-old also believes the work he has done during his recovery ensures he is a better player now than when he crumpled to the turf against Celtic back in February.
“I can’t wait to play Rangers,” he said. “I’m like a kid waiting on Christmas because it is a long time since I have played in the league. Physically and mentally, I am ready to go.
“The first three months were the toughest, and everyone who has done this type of injury would say the same.
“It is mentally tough not being able to do anything. You can’t drive or go for a coffee. You are basically sitting on the couch.
“When that passes and you start to do more in the gym, you set goals, tick them off one by one and it starts to fly in. Now I am good to go.
“I can’t not give 100% as I was desperate to get back. I got stuck in and I got over the mental scars quickly.”
Nisbet arrived at Hibs in 2020, having resurrected his fledgling career with Raith Rovers and Dunfermline, and an international call-up soon followed.
Injury robbed the marksman of the opportunity to aid Scotland in their World Cup bid, but he is confident he has put his downtime to good use.
“I think I will come back a better player,” he added. “I’ve been doing a lot in the gym, and doing things that I couldn’t really work on when I was playing.
“There was time to re-evaluate where I want to be as a player, and how to get there. I feel better physically and mentally now.
“I feel people will see different player.”