Oli McBurnie should be given a second chance to play for Scotland after a five-year absence. The Sheffield United striker's recent form for Hull City has sparked calls for a recall ahead of next month's World Cup qualifier against Slovenia.
A report in the Daily Mail Sport this week argues that ignoring a Premier League striker would be a mistake for new manager Sebastien Pocognoli. Scotland's attack lacks depth, and McBurnie's 17-goal Championship campaign last season, capped by a goal in the play-off final win over Middlesbrough, makes a compelling case. His last cap came in March 2021 under previous boss Steve Clarke, who reportedly did not rate the forward highly. An incident seven years ago, where McBurnie was allegedly caught on camera complaining about international duty, has also been part of his past with the national team.
Why is Oli McBurnie back in the picture?
McBurnie's performances on loan at Hull City have forced the issue. Last weekend, the 30-year-old played a key role as Hull beat Manchester United 2-0 in the Premier League. That display, combined with his prolific season in the second tier, has highlighted his quality. Scotland's current World Cup campaign has been difficult, with the team sitting third in their group after three games. They have taken just three points from a possible nine, with one win and two losses. Their goal difference stands at minus three, having scored once and conceded four times. This attacking struggle makes the case for McBurnie's inclusion even stronger.
What changed for Scotland's striker options?
The managerial change from Steve Clarke to Sebastien Pocognoli represents a fresh start. Pocognoli, appointed earlier this year, is not bound by previous selections and can assess the squad with new eyes. Scotland's most recent result was a 3-0 defeat to group leaders Brazil on June 24th. That loss extended a worrying run of form; Scotland have lost their last three matches and have a record of two wins and three losses from their last five outings. They currently trail Brazil by four points in the standings. You can view the full group table on our standings page.
Where would McBurnie fit in the current squad?
McBurnie offers a physical, traditional centre-forward profile that Scotland has sometimes lacked. His experience at Premier League level with Sheffield United and now Hull City is valuable. The striker, who previously played for Hull earlier in his career, seems to have found a rich vein of form at the perfect time. Scotland's next fixture is a critical away match against Slovenia on September 26th. A positive result is essential to keep their qualification hopes alive. Fans can track the team's preparation and upcoming schedule on our fixtures hub.
What happens next for Scotland's selection?
Manager Sebastien Pocognoli will name his squad for the Slovenia game in the coming weeks. McBurnie's 17 goals last season and his current top-flight performances present a strong argument for inclusion. With the team needing goals, the in-form striker provides a direct option. His potential recall would mark a significant turnaround after more than five years in the international wilderness. Scotland's attacking resources will be under scrutiny as they aim to bounce back from three consecutive defeats. The full player pool available to Pocognoli can be seen on our squad list.
