Oli’s proud parents keep him on his toes
Oli Mcburnie is hoping he made his family proud after making his Scotland debut in front of his father, his biggest fan.
The Leeds- born striker was brought up as a patriotic Scot by his Glaswegian dad Neil, who has followed his international career from the start.
After impressing in Friday night’s 1- 0 defeat to Costa Rica at Hampden, Mcburnie told the Scottish Football Association Twitter account: “Whether it’s been the ( under) 19s ( or) the 21s, he has come to every game, whether it’s been Austria, Latvia or Iceland, he has been everywhere.
“He was there at Hampden as well, so for my mum and dad and all my family, it’s the proudest one. It’s probably the proudest day of my career as well personally.
“That’s what it’s all about, making your family proud – and hopefully I did that.”
Mcburnie almost gave his family even greater cause for celebration with a wellstruck first-half effort which prompted a smart stop from Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas.
The 21-year-old also came close in the second half when he just failed to connect with Andy Robertson’s low cross with the goal gaping.
The Swansea striker had scored six goals in his previous eight appearances on loan with Barnsley and was disappointed not to translate his club form onto the international scene.
“Every time I play, no matter what level it’s at, I’m always trying to score,” he said. “The keeper has made a good save, I thought I had struck it well.
“There were a couple of half- chances as well. But as long as I’m getting into positions and giving myself a chance to score, then that’s what I am about.”
Scotland manager Alex Mcleish felt Mcburnie would be kicking himself over the later chance but feels there was plenty of promise in his debut.
“He is just a kid,” Mcleish said. “He has been scoring goals in the English Championship, that’s why we gave him a game.
“There were some things in his game that were effective and some things that he will look at and we will show him as well.”