Oliver Burke has stated that he doesn’t know what his role is at Scotland yet, despite being included in the squad.
The on-loan Celtic star has hit four goals at Parkhead playing as a makeshift striker. He’s struggled to an extent when it comes to looking convincing as a number nine. Despite that, however, he’s shown some promising attributes, and has been a handful during his Hoops stint.
It would’ve been reasonable to think that Scotland are eyeing him up in a striking position. Outside of Burke, the only alternatives are Johnny Russell and Oli McBurnie. Neither are likely to have the same pace and strength as Burke.
But, speaking in the Daily Record today, the winger-turned striker has stated that his position for the national team is a mystery – even just three days from Scotland’s first match in Kazakhstan.
“I don’t know what plan Alex McLeish has for me yet. I haven’t had a conversation with him but I’m sure I will.
“Every position has its different roles and responsibilities for the team, especially at Celtic. “As a striker it starts from you and everyone else follows and it’s a position of responsibility for that reason.
“It all comes down to learning the position and maturing. You have to realise there are great players in other positions and to let them do it. I have no need to drift out and have to stay in my position. I wanted to go
back to my old ways but it’s important to learn.”
It would be interesting for Celtic if Scotland mixed things up
Right now, you have to imagine Burke has been chosen as a striker. It may not be his natural position, but it’s the position he’s been playing in over the last three months.
Of course, there’s an element of intrigue about his ability to impress down the right. Celtic fans have barely had the chance to see their star-man in his natural position. Should Scotland give him that opportunity, Neil Lennon has to watch closely.
James Forrest, however, scored a hat-trick in Scotland’s last match against Israel. Dropping him for Burke, therefore, is a highly doubtful occurrence.
The only way Burke is likely to get game-time is if he is selected in the number nine role. Matches against Kazakhstan and San Marino should provide him with a real opportunity to stake his claim for future squads.
It’s a tad odd that McLeish hasn’t even informed Burke of his position yet. No matter where it is, however, the West Brom-owned star will put in a shift for his nation.
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