A goal drought can be a tricky time for any forward. But for Hibs’ Marc McNulty, the real frustration must be that his drought comes after such a hot streak of form which saw him called up to the senior Scotland squad for the first time having performed so heroically for the Hibees.
Hibs hitman becomes Scotland striker
After arriving on loan from Reading for the remainder of 2018-19, the new number nine got off to an ideal start in Edinburgh. McNulty’s six goals in four games in February was a tremendous piece of encouragement to Hibs supporters. Paul Heckingbottom’s men were turning from bottom six occupants to challenging for Europe.
Marc McNulty was initially banging them in on a regular basis for the Hibees. (Photo by Callum Landells/Getty Images)
Terrific talent for the Tartan Army
So much so than when Alex McLeish named McNulty in the squad for European Championship qualifiers against Kazakhstan and San Marino away, not a single Scotsman could have really had any complaints. However, prior to his call-up, just one league goal has followed McNulty’s super scoring streak at the start of his Hibs career.
Alex McLeish may have lost his job as Scotland manager but calling up McNulty at the time seemed like a no-brainer. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Derby day hero to zero
And none have since followed. McNulty’s best chance to do so came in the most recent Edinburgh derby. A penalty kick was awarded after Uche Ikpeazu’s foul on Paul Hanlon. The penalty would’ve had Hibs in front with the score tied at 0-0. As it happens, his spot kick sailed wide of Bobby Zlamal’s right hand post. For a striker that’s looking to end a drought, that can hardly be the ideal confidence booster for the number nine.
Paper comments came back to bite McNulty after a late leveller resulted in a derby day draw with Hearts. (photo by Alan Rennie/Action Plus via Getty Images)
Perhaps rather than slating Hearts fans for supposedly failing to sell out their Easter Road allocation, he should have been practising finding the net from 12 yards.
Here’s hoping for Hibs’ sake and Scotland’s that he finds his shooting boots again soon.