The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Burke heir to revive young Scots’ fortunes
New Scotland under-21 manager Scot Gemmill has challenged his players to follow Oliver Burke’s lead if they want to fulfil their international ambitions.
The former Nottingham Forrest and Everton midfielder has named his first squads since replacing Ricky Sbragia.
Gemmill has given 10 youngsters their first call-ups to the under-21s, but wants his players to dream big and reckons £13million Burke is the perfect role model.
The 19-year-old has made a swift progress since breaking out of Nottingham Forest’s academy two years ago.
His City Ground displays persuaded bigspending German outfit RB Leipzig to make him their latest purchase, while national team manager Gordon Strachan has been so impressed by the Kirkcaldy-born youngster he gave him the job of leading Scotland’s attack in the World Cup qualifying win against Malta earlier this month.
Burke underlined his potential when he crowned his first Leipzig start on Sunday with a debut Bundesliga goal in a 1-1 draw against Cologne and Gemmill hopes he is just the first player to emerge.
“Oliver is a real and obvious example of how quickly it can escalate for a young player,” said Gemmill, pictured, who won 26 caps.
“It should motivate the players by showing if they are doing well at the younger levels then the manager will play them in the full squad.
“I was lucky to work with Oliver with the under-19s. I was one of the first people to be sent to watch him when we found out he was eligible to play for Scotland.
“His talent was obvious and he was full of potential. “He seems to have made a good start to his time in Germany. He has everything needed to become a leading player, his potential is outstanding. “Not only is he physically very impressive, as is his pace, but he is a very grounded individual with a very good attitude. A player can be as
“Oliver real and obvious example of how quickly it can escalate for a young player”