Not many better sporting resurrection stories have come out of Hollywood than Rocky. But I tell you what - there’s a real life one involving a man of the same name writing itself in a place near Holyrood. And this one packs an almighty punch.
The change I have seen in Rocky Bushiri at Hibs since the end of November has probably been the biggest turnaround I have ever seen in a footballer. Pardon the pun - or puns - but there’s been more than one time during his time in Leith where I thought the big man was down and out. He’s had the nine count on a good few occasions at Easter Road.
But he’s got up every time and hit back. And this time he’s not just lifted himself off the canvas - he looks to have dragged the team with him. Since his 96th minute equaliser against Aberdeen, Hibs have lost just one in nine games and that was against Celtic. He’s now done the same thing with a late equaliser in Sunday’s heroic fightback to draw 3-3 with Rangers.
Rocky’s scoring huge goals and even chipping in with classy assists for Martin Boyle. Obviously there’s still the odd wee brain fart at the other end that we saw against Rangers. But over the piece he has been excellent at both ends and a colossal source of inspiration to those around him.
I think back to the Dundee game before that Aberdeen draw where he had a nightmare. Hibs lost 4-1 and if you asked 95 per cent of fans that night they’d have said ‘get rid’. But that figure is getting cut drastically with every game.
When fans make their mind up on you then it’s very difficult to turn that round, especially now in the social media age. There’s no hiding place and I’ve noticed his brother defending him online a few times.
I certainly had my doubts but if he keeps playing the way
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