Kevin Nisbet is determined to hit the reset button on his Hibernian season - and fire his way into the Scotland contention.
The striker scored for the first time in nine games since a January move to Birmingham City broke down on transfer deadline day to seal a vital win for the men in green and white at Ross County.
The Blues had a rumoured seven-figure bid turned down for the 24-year-old hitman, who has stepped up from a goal-laden spell in the lower leagues with 14 for the European-chasing Hibees this season.
However Nisbet insists nothing could be further from his mind and made no secret of his desire to crash Steve Clarke’s Euro 2020 party this summer ahead of Tuesday’s squad announcement for the first round of World Cup qualifying.
“For us now it’s about getting into Europe and scoring as many goals as I can for Hibs between now and the end of the season,” he said.
“One of my goals at the start of the season was to get in the Scotland squad. I’m back playing and scoring, so I have every chance.
“We’ll see what happens the next couple of days.”
The striker was dismayed to hear criticism of his attitude from some sections of the green and white faithful over the past few months, insisting he has remained fully committed to the Easter Road side’s European bid.
Nisbet revealed clear the air talks with manager Jack Ross after he and teammate Ryan Porteous - subject of a similar bid from Millwall - were dropped to the bench amid transfer “noise”.
And while he was “flattered” by alluring glances from down south, the forward now feels revitalised and ready to reignite his Easter Road career.
“I would like to say I am happy at Hibs, I have really enjoyed my time here.
“The club has done a lot for me, I have done a lot for the club, we have a great relationship still, I don’t think that ever changed.
“It got portrayed as something bigger and I wasn’t too happy about that.
“It happens in football, the gaffer knows that as well, he has been in football a long time.
“He knew my attitude and my contribution to the club wouldn’t drop.
“Thankfully I am back scoring goals and now we are in a really good position for third.”
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