Kevin Nisbet eyes opportunity to stake Scotland World Cup claim

Aberdeen striker Kevin Nisbet has the World Cup on his mind as he bids to use their final Conference League game to keep improving his form.

The Dons have no chance of progressing but there will be plenty of motivation from the likes of Nisbet when they take on Sparta Prague in the Czech capital on Thursday.

“At Aberdeen, every game is very important,” the former Partick Thistle, Dunfermline and Hibernian forward said. “We are here to play against a big team, a big game, and I think that’s where you showcase your talent, on a bigger stage.”

The 28-year-old scored his first two goals of the season in his past six appearances and is hoping to get some momentum going.

Nisbet, who returned from Millwall in August following a loan spell last season, said: “I had that injury at the start of pre-season after coming in quite fit as well, so that was disappointing, but that’s in the past now.

“I feel I’m getting up to speed now, I feel I can play more games. The longer the games go on, I’m not as tired any longer, so I think I’m getting back to where I want to be.

“It took a while to really get up to speed, but I think for the last three or four weeks, I’ve been putting in good performances at a level I’m happier with.”

Nisbet netted 14 goals last season and hopes a prolific second half of the campaign can get him back into Steve Clarke’s squad.

The 11-times capped international last played for Scotland in June 2023 but made three appearances at Euro 2020 and is determined to do everything he can to put himself in the frame for the trip to the United States.

“Obviously, the World Cup is coming up as well, which is also a big motivation for me, so it’s just up to myself to do well for Aberdeen and hopefully push into the Scotland squad again,” he said.

“I know how good the Scotland team is, and how hard it will be to break in, but it’s something I’m hoping to do.

“I experienced that feeling at the Euros, it was great to be involved. So I would definitely like to experience it at the World Cup.

“But right now I’m focusing on Aberdeen. I just want to help as much as I can, if that’s a start, or being on the bench, or being around the place.

“But of course I want to be in the starting line-up and play as often as possible, and hopefully I can score the goals that will help do that.”

Dons manager Jimmy Thelin is focused on the European game rather than planning for Sunday’s trip to Celtic Park.

“We always take it game by game and we always want to play the best team that’s ready to play,” Thelin said.

“It’s really important for us as a club to be consistent in our performance.

“Players want to play in the World Cup, they want to play in the starting 11, they want to grow, and you have to create the capacity to perform Thursday-Sunday if you want to be there next season as well. For us it’s a great opportunity to keep growing.”