Aberdeen striker Kevin Nisbet has stepped up to defend his strike partner Toyosi Olusanya, insisting the forward "doesn't really get the credit he deserves" despite a difficult spell in front of goal.
Since joining on loan from Houston Dynamo in January, the former St Mirren man has yet to find the net in 15 appearances—a barren run that might worry some fans. But Nisbet sees a bigger picture. With new Dons boss Stephen Robinson—who previously worked with Olusanya at Paisley—reportedly keen to make the 28-year-old's move permanent this summer, the support from the dressing room couldn't come at a better time.
"Toyosi is great for me, we work really well," Nisbet said ahead of Saturday's Premiership clash with Dundee United. "He has raw pace, and like any striker, he just needs one to hit off him and go in the top bin—then he'll go on a run."
Nisbet highlighted the less obvious contributions Olusanya makes: drawing fouls, winning penalties, and even getting opposing players sent off. "It has just not clicked for him in front of goal, but hopefully that changes tomorrow and he can go on a wee run towards the end of the season."
The timing is promising. Since Robinson took charge in mid-March, Aberdeen have found new life. The Dons are all but safe from relegation and riding a three-game unbeaten streak. Nisbet credits the turnaround to "a lot more structure, a lot more organisation" and a renewed team spirit.
"Training has been tough, but there's been a lot of information. It took a few weeks to get going, but now you can see what kind of team we are. We want to play forward quickly—not just hoofing it long, but moving the opposition to get in behind and play to our strengths. We've scored a few goals as well, which is always good."
With 11 goals this season and 11 Scotland caps to his name, Nisbet also has his eyes on a bigger prize: a spot in the national squad for this summer's World Cup. "All I can do is just perform well and score goals," he said. And if his partnership with Olusanya keeps clicking—even without goals—the Dons might just have the perfect blend of pace and power to finish the season strong.