Kevin Nisbet is determined to prove himself as he seeks to revive his Scotland career at Aberdeen, expressing confidence in Steve Clarke's leadership to guide the national team forward.
Scotland's Euro 2024 campaign was a huge letdown, with the team earning only one point from their three group games, leading to widespread criticism of both the players and Clarke.
Despite the challenges, Nisbet believes that Clarke can help the squad regain its momentum.
The path to redemption starts with the upcoming UEFA Nations League Group A matches against Poland and Portugal this week.
Later in the year Scotland also face Croatia plus this months opposition again, and Nisbet is eager to catch the Scotland managers eye and play his own role in ensuring his country - who have registered one win from their last 12 games - succeed.
Nisbet has made no secret about his ambitions and how he reckons his current loan spell back in Scottish football will boost his chances of being involved internationally again.
Asked if he expects Clarke to still be in the Scotland hot seat long-term amid ongoing scrutiny, the 27-year-old said: “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.
"We can get results, I always believe we can do well with Scotland. There are a few new boys in there and it’ll be good to see how they get on.
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“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.”
Nisbet, who has represented Scotland 11 times and participated in Euro 2020, is determined to move beyond having to watch from the sidelines.
Missing out on this summer's European Championships was a significant blow, but he is optimistic that the injuries that have plagued him since joining Millwall in 2023 are behind him.
Recently, Nisbet made a vital contribution off the bench, scoring a key goal to help Aberdeen secure three points against Ross County and maintain Jimmy Thelin's perfect record as Dons boss.
The former Hibernian talisman continued to impress with another goal during a late appearance versus Cove Rangers just days later, as manager Thelin put together a strong line-up for a testimonial match honouring Cove veteran Blair Yule.
But when things were proving a real challenge, Nisbet admits he actually contacted Celtic hero and long-term pal, Kieran Tierney, now at Arsenal, who has endured his fair share of injury troubles.
Asked if he found it tough watching Scotland struggle in Germany, knowing he was unable to help, Nisbet recalled: “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.”
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Tierney will miss the first Scotland camp of the new season due to a thigh injury sustained during the match against Switzerland on June 19.
Meanwhile, Nisbet is stepping up to support the full-back, reflecting the camaraderie they’ve built, especially after Tierney stood by him during his own struggles with injuries.
"We see each other a lot," he explained. "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.
“I have known Kieran a long time and I just hope he gets over this one and stays injury-free because he is a top player.
“He was in Spain (Real Sociedad, loan) when I was injured but he did call and FaceTimed and stayed in touch."
