Oli McBurnie Eager to Seize Scotland Opportunity After Five-Year Absence

Oli McBurnie has expressed his determination to make the most of his return to the Scotland squad, acknowledging that he has not yet performed to his potential in his country's colors. The Hull City forward is back in the national team fold after a five-year hiatus, having last earned one of his 16 caps under former manager Steve Clarke.

Having yet to score for Scotland, the 30-year-old striker is eager for the chance to alter public perception. "There were times when it looked like I was never going to come back," McBurnie stated. "The older I've got and the more mature I've got, you really appreciate these times a lot more."

Reflecting on his previous appearances, he admitted, "I didn't play well enough when I put on the Scotland shirt. I can hold my hands up and say that. I didn’t give the best representation of me as a player or as a person and that’s something that I’m here to change." He conveyed his gratitude for the opportunity, adding, "I’m just so thankful that I’ve been given the opportunity to do that. I’ll be eternally grateful to the manager for giving me the chance. I’m more determined to go out there and prove why I belong here."

McBurnie scored 19 goals for Hull City last season, contributing significantly to their promotion to the Premier League. Despite his strong club form, he was not selected for the World Cup squad. He discussed his omission with former manager Steve Clarke, explaining that while he was disappointed, the conversation was constructive. "I rang him and I said, 'I feel like I’ve been playing well' and I just wanted to know his reasoning for (leaving him out) and if there was something he wanted me to do to improve. It went the way it went," McBurnie said. "There were no sour notes. He explained to me his reasons and that’s completely fair enough."

He acknowledged feeling "gutted" about missing the World Cup, viewing it as the pinnacle of football. "I felt like I had something to add to the Scotland team. The pinnacle of football to me is representing your country and representing your country at a World Cup is as good as it gets," he added.

Now, under new manager Sebastien Pochognoli, McBurnie sees the upcoming Nations League matches as a chance to not only score his first international goal but also to address past perceptions, including a controversial video from 2019. In that video, as a Sheffield United player, he was heard saying he hoped not to be called up for Scotland. McBurnie attributed this to insecurity and a tendency to make flippant remarks for reaction. "The video was from a behind-the-scenes thing. Me being the person I am, I like to say a lot of things for reactions, stuff that you don’t mean, funny things. I say things almost to protect myself from insecurities," he explained.

He stated that he apologized to Steve Clarke immediately after the video surfaced, and continued to play for the national team thereafter. "I was maybe 23 years old, an insecure kid. I’ve definitely grown up. I’m a lot more confident and content with myself. There’s a lot less need for me to say those things and hide behind them or anything else in life. It was silly."

McBurnie also highlighted personal growth, noting the birth of his two children and his engagement. "I've had two kids since I last won a cap. I have a fiancee. I’ve lived in Spain for a year (at Las Palmas). I’ve done all sorts of things that have opened up my mind and given me gratitude," he said. "I’m a different person, 100 per cent. I still have the edge but the most common phrase I get told when meeting fans on the street is 'you’re actually all right. I thought you were a so-and-so'."

He admitted that the pressure of not scoring for his country had taken a toll. "It’s got to me at times," he confessed. "It’s been hard to deal with. My job is to score goals and it didn’t happen so a one-yard tap-in or one that goes in off my backside — anything to get me off the mark with my country would be incredible."

In related news, Findlay Curtis and James Wilson have been moved from the senior squad to the Under-21s, though they could be recalled for the match against Switzerland on Tuesday if needed.