As Rangers ran out 2-1 winners over Hibs at Ibrox, one reported summer target who was only last week mentioned alongside the Gers by a leading journalist caught the eye.
Kevin Nisbet might not have hit the heights of last season so far at Easter Road but on a trip to Glasgow it was the Scotland international striker who got the Hibees up and running.
Following Ryan Porteous’ red card, Rangers huffed and puffed before equalising through Kemar Roofe in the second half and netting a winner via the head of Alfredo Morelos.
A huge win in the context of the Scottish Premiership even at this early point of the season, Rangers fans were jubilant on the final whistle and so was manager Steven Gerrard.
But the performance of Nisbet, 25, also wouldn’t have been missed by fans it came just days after Hugh MacDonald mentioned alleged summer interest from Ibrox in the player.
Speaking to PLZ Soccer, MacDonald claimed that Rangers boss Steven Gerrard wanted Nisbet in the summer but a move didn’t materialise for whatever reason.
“Steven Gerrard’s rhetoric in the close season was ‘OK we’ll trim down the squad but anyone coming in will need to be real quality, we want to make this team better’,” said MacDonald.
“He hasn’t made the team made better with the people who’ve come in, not significantly so, but what was really crucial to him was that he didn’t lose Morelos, Kent or Goldson either.
“I know he was keen on bringing in quality.
“He was keen on bringing in a striker, I know he was keen on Nisbet, and for whatever reason, he couldn’t that over the line.”
Reportedly valued at £4m by Hibs [Daily Mail], the player’s price tag may well have put Rangers off.
But after a solid performance where the striker showed smart movement, good link-up play and of course the ability to finish, could it be something which doesn’t forever?
Meanwhile, one ex-Rangers striker has finally found a home and some form as he nets 10 goals in the English Football League this season.
