The forward has 13 goals and seven assists in the Championship this season, despite missing a chunk of it through injury
Oli McBurnie has been in electric form this season (Image: Alfie Cosgrove/News Images)
Despite being Scotland’s most in-form striker throughout the current season, Oli McBurnie has still not been drafted in from the international football wilderness by Steve Clarke.
Time is running out for McBurnie to force his way into Clarke’s squad for the Tartan Army’s first World Cup since France 98, and it looks like that particular ship has sailed.
While McBurnie has been named on the reserve list in the past few international windows, he’s not been drafted into the setup and remains firmly on the outside, and for whatever reason, is being ignored.
Of course, McBurnie joining the eight other players away with their countries during the March window would give the club a great sense of pride, and reward the striker for a terrific first season back in England since leaving for Spain two years ago.
On the plus side, McBurnie has had a week away from football to spend time with his family and get some welcome rest on a trip back to Gran Canaria. No player has worked harder in recent weeks to keep City firmly in the race for promotion to the Premier League, and in the final seven, possibly 10 games, nobody will be more important in turning dreams into reality.
McBurnie’s omission from the Scotland setup is naturally going to be disappointing for the 29-year-old, who has spoken openly about his desire to return to the fold after five years away.
And of course, any player would jump at the chance of representing their country at a World Cup. That is the pinnacle of anyone’s career.
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Clarke’s decision, though, can help City and fuel McBurnie in the remaining weeks. The forward is at his best when he’s got the bit between his teeth, when he’s fully fit and terrorising defenders.
Having a period away from the training ground, and not being dragged to the deck by defenders desperate to keep him in check, should see him return eager to make his mark in the final throws of a season that still promises so much for him, and City.
McBurnie can use the frustration and disappointment in the right way, to show Clarke what he’s missing and in turn, go a long way to making himself a Premier League player once again next season, with the Tigers.
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