Kevin Nisbet: Why he's not doing as badly as some Hibs fans make out as Scotland comes into view

A lot can change in a year. Just ask Hibs striker Kevin Nisbet.

This time back in 2021, the 24-year-old had been the subject of failed bids from Birmingham City, with the Skybet Championship club prepared to pay up to £3million for his services. Nisbet was bang in form, scoring regularly and spearheading Hibs’ challenge for European football and silverware. He was in the sort of nick that earned him the first of ten Scotland caps and a spot at the European Championships, ending the domestic campaign with 18 goals.

This season has been one of some frustration for the ex-Dunfermline, Raith and Partick hitman. As Hibs’ form has dipped, so has Nisbet’s. He has found the net nine times but is not on the same trajectory as last term. He has found his critics in the Hibs fanbase – a recent celebration against Cove Rangers by putting his fingers in his ears showing that he has heard the grumblings – but there are signs that Nisbet is starting to get back to his best.

His goal against Arbroath in Sunday’s Scottish Cup triumph was an excellent bit of skill, a fine touch to trap Ewan Henderson’s cross and then a lovely, high finish past Derek Gaston. It was a reminder that Nisbet has such composure and finesse in his locker.

Twenty-four is no age for a striker, and it must be remembered that Nisbet is still developing. He is being asked to do more under new manager Shaun Maloney than just play as a conventional No 9. He is dropping back into the space between midfield and attack, dragging defenders with him and allowing Hibs’ high wide players in Demetri Mitchell and Chris Cadden to move up beyond him and also creating gaps for his two support forwards to move into. Against Arbroath, it was Ewan Henderson and Sylvester Jasper, but