Mcburnie wants Naismith partnership

Irrespective of what happens with Leigh Griffiths when Scotland gather for their decisive Nations League encounters next month, striker Oli Mcburnie believes the form of Steven Naismith demonstrates that Alex Mcleish won’t be left short up-front, writes Andrew Smith.

The Swansea City forward featured in Sunday’s loss to Portugal alongside the Hearts man and believes Naismith’s late goal put him top of Mcleish’s striking pecking order – even if Griffiths does return to the fold after withdrawing from the squad for the awful 2-1 defeat in Israel and the Portuguese friendly to concentrate on his fitness.

Mcleish is hoping the Celtic forward returns for the Albania game on 17 November, and the home encounter with Israel that will decide the country’s Nations League fate, but Mcburnie is convinced he can trust the 33-year-old Naismith. “Whoever the manager chooses, we have more than capable options in there. Naisy scored against Portugal and scored [in the win over Albania] last month as well so he has more than justified his place,” said the 22-year-old.

“The gaffer had a lot of options, which is good. If he was scrambling around for options, that’s when there would be a problem. Whoever the gaffer chooses is up for the fight.

“One hundred per cent I felt there was a link-up with Naisy in the Portugal game. It was the first time we have ever played together. I think we had only trained together once before the Portugal game.

“Obviously, it is going to be hard. We don’t know each other’s games and things like that, but the more we play together the more understanding we will have.”