The Jack Ross era at Sunderland might be forever remembered for a cacophony of 1-1 draws and football more stodgy than a ten-year-old scone.
Then again, the Scot didn’t have a striker like Kevin Nisbet during his 18-month spell at the Stadium of Light. Well, not after the untimely departure of Josh Maja anyway.
While Charlie Wyke, Will Grigg and co failed to live up to expectations during Ross’s short-lived spell on Wearside, the former Sunderland boss is now enjoying far greater success at Hibernian thanks largely to the wily, penalty-box poaching of young Nisbet.
In just 20 Premiership matches, the Glaswegian has produced 10 goals and four assists. A remarkable return from a 23-year-old playing regularly in the top flight for the first time
“He’s been excellent and I think what’s pleasing is the different types of goals he’s scored this season,” Ross told the BBC recently, tipping Nisbet to force his way into the Scotland national team set-up.
“Both feet, headers, tap-ins, longer range ones.
“(In a 2-2 draw with Celtic) he played as a lone striker. To show he can handle that and work tirelessly, and then get his reward, he’s been a brilliant signing for us and his goal return is excellent.
“At this season to have that number of goals is terrific and I don’t see that changing. I think he’ll continue to do that because he’s got improvement in him.”
A brilliant signing indeed.
Hibernian paid just £250,000 to sign Nisbet from second-tier Dunfermline in July and, with clubs from south of the border queuing up, the Edinburgh outfit look certain to make a substantial profit on their investment.
Ironically enough, The Sun reports that Sunderland are currently leading the chase for Nisbet’s signature after making an enquiry this week.
Ross might have failed to drag Sunderland back to the Championship. But could a striker he helped develop north of the border help the Black Cats tunnel out of their League One prison at last?
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