Lee Johnson admits Kevin Nisbet wants to play at a higher level, but is hopeful Hibs can keep a hold of him this summer.
The Scotland international came close to joining Millwall in January, but pulled out of a move after talks with the London club, knocking the Lions back and deciding to remain at Easter Road for the remainder of the season. With nine goals in 12 appearances this season following a cruciate knee ligament injury last year, he’ll play a pivotal role if the Hibees are to make the top six and qualify for Europe.
Interest will no doubt be rekindled in the summer, but Johnson plans on enjoying the striker for as long as he has him, and hasn't ruled out the capital club once again being the best option for Nisbet, depending on who does or doesn't come in for him when the transfer window reopens.
“Kevin’s an excellent player and a consistent goalscorer," said Johnson. "A fantastic finisher. When you watch him in seven-a-sides, the amount of angles he fines with clean, crisp finishes is unbelievable. Outside of the boot, Romario toe pokes, chips, volleys, right foot, left; it’s all there to see.
“Any club in the SPFL would look at a Kevin Nisbet and want him in and around the squad. At the same time, Kevin’s got ambitions and wants to play as high as he can, as long as he can, like all players.
“Depending on what opportunities arise, the last opportunity led him to believe that Hibs was the right club for him. Therefore, we’ve still got him. While he;s here, I’m going to enjoy trying to develop him and improve his game, but also him scoring goals from us and enjoying his football.”
Meanwhile, Hibs stalwart Lewis Stevenson is yet to be offered a new contract. The long serving legend has been at the club for 18 years, although could be set to depart in a few weeks. However, Johnson planned to sit down with the left back, but didn’t let on as to whether he would be offered a new deal.
He told Sky Sports: “He hasn’t been offered a contract today as we speak. Funnily enough, directly after this conversation I'm having a good chat with Lew about the short, medium and long-term future. That’s important and he deserves that respect, but it would be unwise of me to discuss it before I’ve discussed it with him.”
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