Sunderland target Kevin Nisbet was Hibernian’s hero again last night with Jack Ross hailing the “excellent” goalscoring return of his in-demand striker, speaking to Sky Sports (11 January, 9pm).
Not for the first time this season, and probably not for the last, Celtic made a mess of a simple set-piece as they slipped 21 points behind arch rivals Rangers at the top of the Premiership table.
After David Turnbull channelled his inner Shunsuke Nakamura with a brilliant bending free-kick to open the scoring at Parkhead, Hoops boss Neil Lennon was left to rue an all too familiar sight.
Conor Hazard flapped, Shane Duffy failed to clear and Nisbet took full advantage, ruthlessly firing the loose ball into the roof of the net in stoppage time.
It was the sort of instinctive, predatory finish Nisbet has made his trademark.
No wonder goal-shy Sunderland are taking a keen interest in the Glasgow-born 23-year-old following a run of three successive League One draws.
But, as you would imagine, former Black Cats coach Jack Ross is desperate to stop Nisbet leaving Easter Road to join his old employers (Northern Echo).
“His goalscoring return is excellent. He’s a young player who will have ups and downs over the course of a season,” said Ross, who was sacked by Sunderland and replaced by Phil Parkinson in autumn 2019.
“But his contribution has been very good and, having watched the goal again, I probably didn’t appreciate how good a finish it was until I saw it again.
“When it happens in real time it looks like a scramble but he has to be accurate and good in his finish because of all the players on the line.
“He’s made a valuable contribution for us. He’s continuing to do that and, if he can get towards 20 goals this season, that’s a fantastic achievement for the young man.”
With 13 goals in 26 matches, Nisbet is certainly on track to shatter the 20-goal barrier during his first season at Hibernian.
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