Oliver Burke set for Scotland recall after Celtic success

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Oliver Burke’s Scotland career looks set to be back on track, with the Celtic man set for an international recall.

The on-loan West Bromwich Albion attacker was the subject of high praise by Scotland manager Alex McLeish yesterday.

Scotland have upcoming Euro 2020 qualification fixtures against San Marino and Kazakhstan. Having already qualified from their Nations League group, however, they’ll have two chances at qualification for a major tournament this time around.

And Burke could be set to play a big part in the opening two matches at least. Speaking in the Daily Record, McLeish sang the praises of the attacker’s Parkhead start.

“Oliver’s come up here and he’s playing for the team at the top of the league, a team with great belief and confidence in themselves and who’ve been used to winning everything for the past few years.

“Of course, if he’s playing to a certain level, then Oli Burke will be a candidate. I’m not saying we’ll definitely pick him but we can’t ignore him.

“Against teams who play a high line, Burke – with his pace – is certainly one of those players who could harm them. If Oli can do what he has started off doing at Celtic then it can only be good for us.”

Can’t not pick Burke after comments

After the praise McLeish has given Burke in these comments, it would be terrible man-management to then not pick him. Instead, you have to imagine Burke is going to get that deserved call-up.

With Leigh Griffiths out of action, Scotland only have Steven Naismith as a viable candidate up front. Outside of the Hearts man, there is no other real alternative, even if Steven Fletcher has occasionally been drafted in.

Meanwhile, Burke has been playing as a lone front-man at Parkhead. His spell in Glasgow has seen him modify his game from a right-winger to a lone striker. It’s the exact same position and role McLeish has available in the team.

Burke already has five Scotland caps to his name. But, despite his handful, he hasn’t played since a 1-1 draw with Canada back in 2017. 

It’s clear he could add something serious to the team. He has the pace, power, and confidence now to return to the international set-up. And, going by McLeish’s words, that’s exactly what’s going to happen.