“I could already see the headlines as I was warning up to come on,” he says. I think he’ll get better, as will the team, the more chances he gets to lead the line. The only reason I do it is because I want to play. All rights reserved.

“It’s a lot easier for me playing in England than if I was in Scotland. Scotland endured a long wait for a player like Oli McBurnie.

I have just turned 24 and played in every division from the Conference up to the Premier League and scored in every division, made my international debut. During his press conference Clarke made a point in praising McBurnie: “I don’t really read the stick that players are getting. It’s the sort of stuff that you do dream of. The Sheffield United striker has twice been at the centre of those accusations in the past 14 months, firstly when a jocular comment made to club and international team-mate John Fleck was caught on camera and shared on social media. A vast number of his goals come inside the box and we sometimes don’t create enough chances in that area. “I spoke to Robbo [Andy Robertson, the Scotland captain] straight after that came out, asking what to do,” he says.

I am sure he’ll prove to be a valuable member of our squad. And especially the way I am as a person and a player, I am definitely never going to please everyone. My heart is in it, my head is in it, all I want to do is help my country. A 2019 video released by Sheffield United’s media team showed McBurnie being disparaging about the prospect of joining a Scotland squad. Oli McBurnie does not care about people criticising his football ability but admits he is hurt by those who question his commitment to Scotland. Here’s hoping that they can enjoy it and toast a Scotland victory with their whisky! I have put myself out there and I’m a bit of an easy target. “Anyone in football knows that 45 minutes of a pre-season friendly to run around is completely different to an international qualifying match. That’s not in my brain at all.”. He was there and I think for my dad, my grandma and all that side of my family it’s their proudest one.”, So why the background noise? That’s just the way it was. “They were on the same page, it was absolutely fine.”. McBurnie is back in the squad ahead of Thursday’s Euro 2020 play-off semi-final against Israel and insisted there is no prouder time than pulling on the dark blue. © 2020 Supporters Direct Scotland.

I plead with Scotland fans to give Oli McBurnie more time and chances to prove himself. One would be that he vehemently objects to sniping directed his way. Website by Total Brand Ltd. Impact of TV broadcasting on match day attendance, The future of Scottish football as a commodity. Last modified on Thu 8 Oct 2020 13.12 BST. I thought Oli did well last season for Sheffield United and if he can bring that form into the international stage then he will be a big player for Scotland now and in the future.”. I criticised the SFA on possibly mismanaging McBurnie’s call-off. “He said: ‘Listen, all the boys know you.’ I don’t get anything for playing for Scotland; bonuses, money, anything like that. I know the way Scotland is. “There is no excuse, especially with the position we have put ourselves in now. I want to please the fans but having the respect and admiration of my teammates and manager is enough for me.”, A year on, social media exploded after McBurnie was left out of Clarke’s Scotland squad for matches against Israel and the Czech Republic.

But we will not talk too much, we will see what happens and fingers crossed.”.

Oli McBurnie has never been shy in hiding his allegiances when it comes to Rangers.. The Sheffield United striker has twice been at the centre of those accusations in the past 14 months, firstly when a jocular comment made to club and international team-mate John Fleck was caught on camera and shared on social media. I’m extremely excited to see Scotland take to the field again, although it’s sad that we won’t have the Tartan Army there to roar the team on! You find a lot of Celtic fans are quick to jump in when it comes to criticism but it’s me who has put myself out there.”. Oli McBurnie does not care about people criticising his football ability but admits he is hurt by those who question his commitment to Scotland. When boss Steve Clarke named his squad, it included Sheffield United forward Oli McBurnie.

“I’m open in terms of social media, I try to interact with fans. Last month he … Oli McBurnie does not care about people criticising his football ability but admits he is hurt by those who question his commitment to Scotland. Oli McBurnie: 'I was always told I was Scottish … My heart is in it, my head is in it'. I hope the supporters enjoy their pies, bovril and Nutmeg magazine. Instead the mere mention of McBurnie’s name now triggers grumbling. They seem judge him on his Scotland performances. The apple didn’t fall far from that particular tree. Yes, he hasn’t scored a goal yet but in fairness I think we forget that there’s a different vibe to international football and many a Scottish striker has struggled initially. Watch BT Sport's unbeatable line-up of world-class live sport for just £25 per month.

When things are going well and everyone is saying nice things, I don’t take too much notice of that either.”. Can’t be at the ️ but this is the next best thing! My Under-19 debut against Holland was a really proud moment and something I’ll always remember. As well as showing fans that you care and understand that it’s hard not to be in the ground, it’s also a very smart way to get good publicity that involves key sponsors. “I have told the story many times where England were playing and me and my brother would go to school with Scotland flags painted on our face. It would have been better had the SFA, Clarke or Sheffield United had come out before the friendly game and stated the agreement was that he’d play for his club side to build up his fitness. “It does hurt me, it really does hurt me that I haven’t scored yet if I’m being completely honest,” he said. “Unfortunately people don’t like to see others doing well; they can be envious,” he says. I have to take that; I’m a footballer, it’s part of my job. “If people in Scotland say: ‘He is worth this [fee], he needs to come and do it on the international stage’ it’s fair enough. “A lot of people are more cute about the teams they support,” he says.