Kevin Nisbet labelled John Collins as 'laughable' after the former Hibernian boss accused the striker of being lazy.
The Scotland international responded to Collins' criticisms after he scored Hibs' opener in the 2-0 win over Dundee United in yesterday's Scottish Cup semi-final.
Nisbet has been in outstanding form since moving to Easter Road in the summer. The Cambuslang man has scored 18 goals for Jack Ross' side this season and Nisbet also made his Scotland debut under Steve Clarke.
However, former Hibees boss Collins insisted last week that the 24 year-old doesn't put in enough effort to help his team but Nisbet strong refuted those suggestions.
“I read the comments and I don’t know what he’s thinking there," Nisbet said. "Everyone is entitled to their opinion but I just ignored it – it doesn’t really matter to me.
“I don’t think being lazy is something that could ever be labelled against me.
“From where I’ve come from, I’ve worked really hard in the last few years. In fact, I think it’s my worth ethic that’s got me here. For him to say that, it’s just laughable to be honest."
Christian Doidge, who also scored in Hibs' semi-final triumph, had defended his strike partner before yesterday's clash.
The Welshmen was effusive in praise for Nisbet and highlighted his international recognition as evidence of his hard work.
He said: “He’s definitely not someone who slacks or is lazy.
"He works extremely hard for the team and he has created a lot of chances for himself from his work ethic.
“He wouldn’t have had the amount of goals he has had this season without that in his game. He has been great to play with this season.
"You just need to look at the stats after the game in terms of high-speed running and just how far Kevin has run around the pitch - he is up there with the majority of the lads.
Former Hibernian manager Collins said that Nisbet needed to work harder to help provide for his teammates.
He said: “Kevin has proved in his first season in the Premiership that he is a good finisher, but he’s got to work at being more generous to his team-mates when he doesn’t have the ball.
“If I can give him one piece of advice, that he’s got to add to his game by working harder for the team without possession.
“Nisbet has scored all types of goals – right foot, left foot, headers. He has proved to everyone he is a finisher, but he needs to work harder for the team.”
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