Celtic star backs Oli McBurnie to succeed for Scotland

Oli McBurnie has gotten the backing of a Celtic star to eventually succeed for the Scottish national team despite his recent controversy.

The Scottish national team made history by beating Serbia on penalties to qualify for EURO 2020. This is going to be their first international tournament in over two decades and was easily the biggest win of this generation. As expected, Celtic players were in the thick of things.

Ryan Christie scored a spectacular goal in the 52nd minute to put the Scots in front and for most of the game it  looked like that would be enough to see them through before Luka Jovic found an equaliser in the 90th minute. Leigh Griffiths and Callum McGregor would hold their nerve from the spot though as Scotland scored five perfect penalties to seal their place in next year’s competition.

One controversy coming out of the game was Oli McBurnie’s reluctance to take part in a huddle even when the Rangers players had no problem. It was just poor sportsmanship from the striker who has never scored for the national team despite making 14 appearances.

Ryan Christie though believes that he will eventually come good. As reported by the Daily Record, the Celtic star said:

"“It’s only a matter of time before Oli gets on the scoresheet. We see it every day in training when he comes away.“He was unlucky today with the header and especially the chance in the first half when the boy gets a great block on him.“But it’s only a matter of time before Oli gets on the scoresheet and I think everybody knows that.”"

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McBurnie has never been a prolific goal scorer. He showed his best form for Swansea City, for whom he scored 26 goals in 62 appearances. But overall, he is not someone known for putting the ball in the back of the net. The 24-year-old has 49 goals in his entire career and do not expect him to suddenly turn things around in a Scottish jersey.

It was not the first time that he had refused to take part in a huddle. He has done that throughout his club career. So there is no reason to be surprised here by his behaviour. It is neither sudden nor unexpected.

And while many Celtic fans might be angry at McBurnie, there is no cause to channel that anger towards Christie. He just showed what the striker could not against Serbia, put the team ahead of himself. Hopefully he will be taking notes.