The change Hibs hope will turn the tide on spot-kick fortunes

Stevie Mallan offered to take penalty responsibilities from Kevin Nisbet after the striker’s Scottish Cup semi-final miss – but now he’s insisting on spot-kick duties for the next time Hibs are awarded one.

After hitting the crossbar at Hampden against Hearts, striker Nisbet stepped up again on Saturday, only to be denied by Celtic goalkeeper Scott Bain.

Now, ahead of Tuesday’s Premiership visit of St Johnstone – who Mallan defeated with a last-minute spot-kick winner in August – the decision has been made to try a change of roles, and potentially a change of fortunes, from 12-yards.

"After the semi-final I had a chat with Kev and said I would hit our next penalty if I was on the pitch,” Mallan explained. “But he said he really wanted to hit the next one to prove himself.

Stevie Mallan scored a late penalty during the Scottish Premiership match between St Johnstone and Hibernian at McDiarmid Park, on August 23, 2020, for a 1-0 win. (Photo by Bill Murray / SNS Group)

“He’s frustrated, but he’s so confident that he would go out and hit the next one. But I’ve told him if I’m on the pitch I’m taking the next one – no doubt about it.”

Both Mallan, and manager Jack Ross, are certain if called upon Nisbet will be up for taking another, despite missing his last two. But it’s not simply a decision for players to decide between themselves.

Hibs went three without success earlier this year when Scott Allan, Marc McNulty and Paul Hanlon all missed in February shortly before football’s shutdown. Ross refused to get uptight about the failings and from the restart of the football season three goals from Mallan and Nibset went some way to ease the worries – until now.

Coaches’ view

Jack Ross says penalties fall under the set-piece remit of John Potter - but it's a joint coaching and players' decision (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

“John Potter has a lot of responsibility for set-pieces, so we discuss it as a staff. For me, penalty kicks fall into that same category," said the Easter Road boss. “Prior to the weekend we knew Kevin would take a penalty if we got one.

“It’s just being prepared. The fact Kevin took one wasn’t just based on our decision but also on how he felt as well.

“We know he won’t take one on Tuesday night if we get one. But I’m sure if you asked Kevin if he wanted to take one on Tuesday night he would say, ‘yes’ but, as a staff, we’ve made that joint decision as well.”

From Nisbet’s penalty and Bain’s save, Jamie Murphy scored the rebound to open the scoring against Celtic and then, undeterred by his miss, Nisbet did find the net with a clinical strike seven minutes afterwards to regain any confidence that may have been wavering.

Stevie Mallan hopes to seize his opportunity - in the team or on the penalty spot - when it next arrives. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

Mallan added: “He was gutted, but Murphy scoring took the pressure off him. Then it was good for him to get his goal – it showed his versatility, with a great finish on his weaker foot. That shows the quality Kev has.”

Playing patience

As new penalty-taker, Mallan aims to take his chance if given the opportunity tonight, after a stop-start season following on from his goal off the bench the last time Hibs met the Perth side. Despite a series of starts – all of which have ended in a Hibs victory – the midfielder has often found himself involved, but only as a substitute.

“I’ve had to be patient. It can be frustrating at times,” he admitted. “The boys have been doing well and it’s been hard to get in but the manager’s showed faith in me by putting me in off the bench every week.

"He says I’m in and about the team but it’s hard to take someone out when the team is doing so well. It would be different if we were near the bottom of the table and there were changes every week. We are up the top and doing well so I’ve had to be patient. Hopefully I’ll be back in tonight.

“I want to be playing more games. I’m pushing every day to be a starting player – and if we’ve not lost a game I’ve started? Tell the gaffer that!”

A win over St Johnstone would lift Hibs over Aberdeen and into third place – if only for 24 hours with the Dons also in action against Hamilton on Wednesday night.

It’s a position that could have been achieved already but for Celtic’s late equaliser on Saturday, though one that will remain an aim and reward for a strong start to the season at Easter Road.

No fear

"Our record going into the game with Celtic was good and everyone felt confident. We are in a good place where we are not fearing anybody. Boys are going into games against Celtic and Rangers expecting to win. That’s what makes it even more frustrating that we did not get the win,” Mallan went on, before turning attention to tonight. "These are the games that make your season. Hibs have always done well against the Old Firm but then dropped points in other matches. Tonight’s match is a crucial one in the sense that we need the three points. We are playing a day before Aberdeen and it’s a chance to go two points ahead of them.

“We want to push for the spot above. If we are fourth we are looking at third. It’s a good thing going forward if we can win and put the pressure on Aberdeen.”

Hibs hope to have Christian Doidge back for the visit of St Johnstone, who are unbeaten since October 2 – Hibs have lost just once in that time, plus the Scottish Cup extra-time defeat to Hearts – but the game is too early for the return of Lewis Stevenson and Kyle Magennis, who are both expected in training within the next week.

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