Hibs strike partner outlines why Kevin Nisbet can be Scottish success story

Christian Doidge grabbed Hibs’ goal on Saturday but the Welshman says he will be happy to see the spotlight shift back to his strike partner Kevin Nisbet this week.

The 24-year-old has had a stellar season for Hibs since joining in the summer and was rewarded with his first call-up to Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Austria, Israel and Faroe Islands over the next 10 days.

And Doidge believes his team-mate can be an asset as the nation looks to book their place at another major finals.

“I’m delighted for Nissy, he has had such a hard year with family issues and stuff like that and he is through the other side now and has got his Scotland call-up.

Hibs' Kevin Nisbet, Christian Doidge and Paul Hanlon during training. Photo by Mark Scates / SNS Group

“He has been fantastic since he’s come in and has worked really hard and has scored all those goals so he deserves all the accolades he has got this year and I think he is going to be really good for Scotland. He is a great goalscorer and a physical boy and he will fit into their system really well.”

And, in the wake of Scotland call-ups for Paul Hanlon, Paul McGinn and Ryan Porteous earlier this season and the raft of players in the Hibs squad with other international honours, Doidge says the whole club has benefitted.

“The buzz around the place is great and we have loads of internationals in the team now and coming to work every day you know you are playing with good players and you know that the international stuff is part of the recognition for a great season. It is fully deserved for each of the boys because we are sitting nicely in third place now and we have got a few games left now to secure it.

If the opportunity comes one day for the Welshman to follow suit and represent his country ... “I would, obviously, be delighted. I have to put the performances in for Hibs, though, and if I then get that opportunity I will be extremely happy. First and foremost, I have to be putting the ball in the back of the net for Hibs and playing well and I will keep trying to do that.”

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