Ross dismisses Nisbet transfer talk after striker misses game

Hibernian head coach Jack Ross has dismissed suggestions that striker Kevin Nisbet is moving to Celtic, saying the player’s absence from his matchday squad is nothing to do with a transfer move.

Talk on social media had linked Nisbet with a switch to Celtic Park in exchange for a fee plus Leigh Griffiths.

Ross revealed that Nisbet was ill and shrugged off the speculation.

“Kevin was unwell,” he said. “It (Nisbet moving) is not anything we have discussed or considered.

“It is just unfortunate that Kevin is unwell because people jump to conclusions.”

With the striker absent, Hibs could only draw at Dens Park against Dundee, despite holding the lead until the last six minutes.

Jason Cummings had given Dundee the lead but Martin Boyle levelled from the penalty spot. Ryan Porteous put Hibs ahead with a volley from a corner before subsititute McGowan headed in to force a share of the points.

“I think at the end of the game we were frustrated because we were ahead and in control,” Ross said.

“Coming away from home and taking something was good but we are frustrated as we felt we would go on and win it from the position we were in.”

Dundee manager James McPake was aggrieved at the penalty decision that allowed Hibs back into the game. Jamie Murphy went down after a challenge from Christie Elliott but McPake felt the referee got the big call wrong.

“It wasn’t a penalty,” said McPake. “The contact is outside the box.

“The referee has got a split second to make that decision but he has got to be spot on.

“The first contact is at least a yard outside the box. It’s a pretty simple decision in my opinion.

“I’ve spoken to him. He’s happy with his decision. That’s what they always say so I’m not going to say anything different.”