Jack Ross rubbishes Kevin Nisbet to Celtic swap deal rumours

Originally posted on The Celtic Star | Last updated 8/22/21

Hibs manager Jack Ross has rubbished suggestions that he could sell Kevin Nisbet to Celtic in a player plus cash deal with Leigh Griffiths heading to Easter Road in exchange. Speaking ahead of his side’s draw with Dundee at Dens Park, Ross confirmed that Nisbet was missing due to illness and not a pending transfer.

Speaking to BBC Sportsound, Ross said that the player was unwell meaning he missed the game against Dundee but that any speculation was unfounded.

“I wouldn’t say he was unwell if he wasn’t, because he is. Second of all I, was really surprised when I started to get messages and calls about the story that broke because, as far as I’m concerned at this moment in time, it’s nonsense, a complete fabrication.”

Leigh Griffiths has been linked with a return to Hibs. Copyright: Jeff Holmes

Elsewhere, Ross (via The Sun) said reiterated that there was no truth in the rumour of the trade deal.

“I was surprised to hear about it yesterday because unless people at the club aren’t telling me things – which I don’t imagine is the case – then it’s nonsense, really.

“It just shows how something can be created and people can run with it. As far as we’re concerned there’s absolutely no truth in it.”

PLZ Soccer’s Peter Martin sparked suggestions that Celtic could make a move for Nisbet and offering Griffiths along with cash.

Swap plus cash. I’m told #Celtic keen on Kevin Nisbet with Leigh Griffiths and cash going to Easter road. In my view, Griffiths time at Celtic is up and the club are keen to move him out. Will #Hibernian bite? pic.twitter.com/aWZlTbRA89

— Peter Martin (@PeterMsport) August 21, 2021

Griffiths, 31, is fourth choice at Celtic behind Kyogo, Edouard and Ajeti with his pre-season antics furthering the split in the support over whether Griffiths can still offer Celtic something going forward. Nisbet, 24, has scored 21 goals in 50 appearances for Hibs since moving from Dunfermline Athletic in 2020.

Griffiths has scored 123 goals for the club but this contribution has been overshadowed by his antics off the field of play. Hopefully, he is working away to try and prove to the manager that he can at least play a role in the team going forward. The likelihood is that Griffiths’ time at the club is coming towards an end but it would be unlikely if Celtic moved for Nisbet, especially when Giakoumakis is being actively pursued by Postecoglou’s side.

This article first appeared on The Celtic Star and was syndicated with permission.

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