McBurnie delivers a debut to remember
NEWPORT County manager John Sheridan hailed a dream debut for Oli McBurnie after the striker came off the bench to fire his side to victory over Luton Town with a stunning 23-minute hat-trick.
The 19-year-old only arrived on loan from Swansea City on Thursday and he made himself an instant hero with the County fans.
McBurnie’s treble earned his new side a first victory at home in League Two since Luton last visited in March and Sheridan was delighted with his new boy, but keen to share the praise around.
“Oliver will get the plaudits but I thought as a team we played very well,” said the Exiles boss.
“We had lots of energy and tempo about us and anyone who has watched us will think Newport are a good team.
“Oliver got three good striker’s goals and he was in the right place at the right time.
“I always make substitutions to come on and change the game and thankfully they did that.”
McBurnie replaced Zak Ansah on 58 minutes and broke the deadlock five minutes later after a cross from fellow substitute Tommy O’Sullivan.
The Scotland U21 international added his second on 79 minutes and completed his hat-trick four minutes from time.
“Oliver’s a bit different to what we’ve got,” added Sheridan.
“He’s a box player and he’s got that height.
“His first goal looks easy but it wasn’t; it’s a great ball in but his finish is delightful.The second is a proper striker’s goal, he’s gambled and followed it in.
“The last goal was very unselfish of Scott (Boden) to give Oli his hat-trick but I am pleased because it’s a great debut for the kid.”
Luton manager John Still, who saw his side collapse from 3-1 up to lose 4-3 at home to Carlisle last Tuesday, couldn’t believe what he had seen.
Still felt his side were in control of the game before McBurnie’s introduction and admitted two mistakes from goalkeeper Mark Tyler proved costly.
“It was a bit like the other night for us,” he said. “I thought we were in control and I don’t think Mark had anything to do until they scored.
“Their keeper made a couple of good saves and we were in control.
“But we switched off at a free-kick and they scored.
“For the second one I don’t want to blame Mark because he’s done brilliant for us but a bit like the other night, it was mistake after mistake.
“I think we let the goal affect us.
“I heard John say next to me that they had to change something because they were hitting their heads against a brick wall and they were.”