KEVIN NISBET has made a rapid rise through the ranks of domestic football but the Hibernian striker will not be satisfied until he joins team-mates Ryan Porteous and Paul McGinn in the Scotland squad.

While that pair concentrate on Nations League business, Nisbet reinforced an impressive early impact at the Easter Road club in less glamorous surroundings during a 2-1 League Cup win at the Balmoral Stadium.

His forceful running contributed towards substitute Jamie Gullan’s 49th-minute equaliser, wiping out Cove Rangers deserved interval lead courtesy of a wonderful Daniel Higgins swerving free-kick.

If anything, Nisbet’s winner on the hour was even better as a superb volley made it seven goals in just 10 games since moving across the Forth from Dunfermline in the summer.

The overall impression is of someone who looks equally at home in the Premiership as he had in League One and the Championship, with Jack Ross believing it will be a similar story at international level. In fact, the Hibernian manager revealed he is not the only one to have noted a similarity with Dundee United’s Lawrence Shankland as Steve Clarke is already aware of the depth of talent at the club.

Nisbet said: “It’s encouraging to know the Scotland manager is aware of how well the team are doing. Paul has deserved a call-up as his performances have been great all season and Ryan has been the same.

“I just have to keep playing well, scoring goals and hopefully it will happen for me too but I’ve always backed my ability that I will get goals and I’ve proved that in the last few seasons.

“Of course, I do think that I can make the step up to challenge for a Scotland place as I’ve made a good start to the season and I’m high in confidence about the future.

“Playing for your country would be the pinnacle of anyone’s career and it’s all good right now but the priority is to focus on staying in the Hibs team by continuing to score goals that can help us win games.”

That next chance will come at Station Park tomorrow as Hibernian’s Scottish League Cup tie is expected to go ahead despite Forfar Athletic winger Kyle Dalling testing positive for Covid-19.

Meanwhile, Cove Rangers manager Paul Hartley takes his side back to their roots for an away tie against Highland League Brora Rangers.

The former Celtic and Scotland star was happy with the performance of his players in their first competitive match in seven months.

“I was certainly pleased with the performance against a good Premiership side, especially in the first half when I feel we deserved our lead,” he said. “The only disappointment was that our fans weren’t able to be here to watch it.”