Kevin Nisbet in defiant Hibs comeback vow as Easter Road club confirm striker out for the season

Defiant Kevin Nisbet has vowed to come back stronger and better after being hit with the devastating news his season is over.

Hibs have confirmed the striker would not play again this season after damaging knee ligaments in Sunday’s draw with Celtic. The Scotland striker - who will also miss the World Cup play-off - was crocked in the first half after a challenge from Hoops defender Carl Starfelt.

The Easter Road club are still waiting to discover the full extent of the injury with Nisbet set to see a specialist to ascertain the full extent. But initial scans have revealed the 24-year-old won’t be fit before the season end.

Nisbet said: “This is a set back but I have my head around it already.

“I will stay focused and positive aiming to get back into action for Hibs and Scotland quickly.

“I think Hibs fans were starting to see the best of me again, but this will just make me more determined to become an even better player as I’m not the type to retreat into a corner and hope for the best.

“I will work with the medical team and believe they can help to make sure I come back stronger and better.

“One of my biggest disappointments is that I won’t be able to help Hibs for the remainder of this season, but I’m confident the manager and my team mates will get the job done.”

Nisbet has struck nine goals so far this season and was beginning to find the form of old after a dip in form towards the end of last year.

Hibs boss Shaun Maloney admitted he “didn’t think it was a great challenge” from Starfelt who was booked for the tackle in Sunday’s stalemate.

Christian Doidge is now set to lead the line for Hibs in this evening’s Premiership clash with bottom side Dundee.

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