‘Good friends’ - Aberdeen ace opens up on bond with former Celtic hero as pair target Scotland return

New Aberdeen striker Kevin Nisbet says that former Celtic hero Kieran Tierney is one of his closest friends in the Scotland international set-up.

Nisbet has revealed that the Arsenal defender spoke to him regularly last season to offer him words of encouragement during his injury-ridden stint at Millwall and admits that Tierney played a key role in motivating him to get back to full fitness during some of the darkest days of his career.

The 27-year-old forward, who was excellent during his time with Hibs, struggled with injuries during his 12 months in England and was deemed surplus to requirements in South London this summer after the signing of Macaulay Langstaff.

However, now back to full fitness and playing for Aberdeen, Nisbet has ambitions of regaining his place in the Scotland squad, and reminded Premiership fans just what he was capable of by scoring a last minute goal in an away victory against Ross County.

Nisbet wasn’t included in the squad for upcoming internationals against Poland and Portugal but adds that he is keen to make up for lost time after also failing to make Steve Clarke’s squad for the European Championships in Germany.

Speaking to the Daily Record, Nisbet described missing out as a major setback. “Of course it was – because I have experienced it. I know what it is like and what the boys are like. I speak to the likes of KT (Kieran Tierney) and Porto (Ryan Porteous) regularly. It just gives you the motivation to try to get into the next squad – I want to get back into the squad.” He explained.

Tierney also misses this camp, having been out since Germany, and Nisbet has returned the favour after the left-back supported him through his own injury hell.

He added: “We see each other a lot. After he injured his hamstring I waited until he’d had the op and then I drove to his house a few times to give him company. A few of the boys went down for the Euros final as well – David Turnbull, Porto and myself. We just want to be good friends.”

Nisbet believes Scotland have a great chance of qualifying for the World Cup in two years time and claims that Steve Clarke is the perfect manager to lift the mood after a disappointing group stage exit at Euro 2024.

He explained: He has got that character where he will pick things up and bring the country more success. We just need a result. He’s a good type of guy. He creates a good atmosphere in the squad and on the training pitch. He missed out on the World Cup against Ukraine. That is one thing he really wants to achieve. I’d back him to go on and do it.

“He’s always said our strength is all about the unity and the squad. It is not about individual players and if you’re playing at the highest level it’s not about you – it’s about every single person.

“That is why boys love going away now. Previously, boys didn’t really like going away but now love it. There is a good atmosphere, we’re winning games and he’s created a good buzz around the place. I’d back him to get us to the World Cup. He’s taken us to back-to-back finals. It’s a great credit to him.”