Partick Thistle youngster Kevin Nisbet admits he was dealt a harsh lesson in this season’s opening game against Hibs, but he reckons the experience could prove invaluable in the long-term.
The 20-year-old striker was thrown into the fray at Easter Road early on after experienced forward Kris Doolan felt a strain in his hamstring.
He failed to make the most of the opportunity though, barely getting a kick as he was marshalled with ease by Efe Ambrose and Paul Hanlon for the Hibees.
A few days of soul-searching followed, and some home truths were delivered to him by manager Alan Archibald.
While a difficult experience to go through, it set him up to bounce back a few days later with a man-of-the-match performance at St Johnstone as Thistle reached the Betfred Cup quarter-finals.
“I knew that I hadn’t played well when I came on at Easter Road, and the manager wasn’t slow in letting me know anyway,” Nisbet said.
“He sat me down and we went through it, the things I could have done better and areas where he felt I wasn’t working hard enough.
“I took in what he said and just hoped I’d get another chance on the Tuesday at McDiarmid Park. Luckily I did, and I felt I did well.
“I just kept it simple for the first 10-15 minutes, but after that I grew in confidence and I think I was able to influence the game in a positive way that I hadn’t managed at Easter Road.
“Hopefully now I can stay in contention.”
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