Hibs striker Kevin Nisbet opens up on injury hell as he gives hopeful timeframe for return to action

The Hibs striker suffered an anterior cruciate ligament [ACL] injury during the goalless draw with Celtic in February and is currently going through rehab at the Easter Road side’s training base in East Lothian.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the 25-year-old admitted the process has been eye-opening for him.

“It’s one of those injuries where you have to take it week by week,” he said.

"I’m four and a half months in now, so hopefully maybe another three and a bit to go, best case scenario, and I can get back on the pitch.

"I don’t really get injured much and until this, I hadn’t missed many games for Hibs – maybe one or two games here and there, but nothing too bad. Having this injury is a bit of an eye-opener for me; you appreciate football a lot more and I can’t wait to get back.”

Nisbet suffered the injury during the first half of the stalemate with Celtic when he came off worse in a challenge with Hoops defender Carl Starfelt.

"It was an ACL injury with a meniscus tear as well,” he explained.

"The first three months were hard to take until I saw the surgeon and he gave me the all-clear, and since then I’ve been doing a lot more stuff in the gym and started going out on the park as well, which is good.

"It is a bit soul-destroying being in the gym by yourself but it’s something you need to do. I’ve put in the hard work and it’s starting to pay off now.”

Nisbet travelled with the squad to Portugal for the summer training camp although he was obviously unable to participate in any of the training sessions or friendly matches. He admitted that being restricted to a watching brief has been difficult – even if it has helped him psychologically.

"It’s really tough, really hard seeing the boys having a laugh at training and