Oli McBurnie is being called for a second opportunity to represent Scotland, with calls for his inclusion in the national team following a notable period of form.
McBurnie has been out of the Scotland squad for over five years, with his last appearance for the national team occurring in March 2021. His previous absence was attributed to infractions, including a widely publicized incident seven years ago where he was filmed making negative remarks about playing for Scotland. However, recent commentary suggests that a fresh start under new manager Sebastien Pocognoli could offer a clean slate for players, including McBurnie.
Despite past issues, McBurnie, now 30, is playing at a high level in the English Premier League for Hull City. He was noted for his performance in Hull's recent 2-0 victory over Manchester United. This season, he scored 17 goals in the Championship, contributing to Hull's promotion to the Premier League, including a goal in their playoff final win. His current form and experience at the top tier of English football are seen as valuable assets that Scotland could utilize.
The argument for McBurnie's return is based on the idea that players can evolve and learn from past mistakes. Excluding him based on an incident from seven years ago, or on the past preferences of a previous manager, is considered by some to be overly stubborn and detrimental to the team's options. With limited attacking talent available to Scotland, overlooking a striker performing at the Premier League level is seen as a missed opportunity.
The push for McBurnie's inclusion suggests that if he is given another chance and does not make an impact, the decision would be understandable. However, the current sentiment is that he warrants another opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities for the national team.