Rangers target Oli McBurnie can get one up on Leigh Griffiths on international stage

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Swansea City’s loaned out striker Oli McBurnie has been in fine form for Barnsley, leading to a first international call up.

21-year-old Barnsley striker Oli McBurnie has been in terrific form for the Tykes since his loan move from Swansea in January, having bagged six goals in nine appearances so far.

His prolific run of form led to his inclusion in Alex McLeish’s first Scotland squad since his reappointment as national team coach, and with usual first choice Leigh Griffiths currently out injured, McBurnie has a real chance to stake his claim as the leading Scottish striker.

Alongside McBurnie as central strike options in the squad are Matt Phillips of West Brom and Jason Cummings of Rangers, on loan from Nottingham Forest.

Should you have to pick one to start, you would probably pick McBurnie simply down to his goal scoring record in recent months, with Jason Cummings having mainly scored in the Scottish Cup for Rangers, whilst Matt Phillips has never been particularly known for his eye for goal.

The emergence of McBurnie, who is still remarkably young, is terrific news for McLeish, however, with the strike department having troubled the Scots over the past several years.

The likes of Steven Fletcher, Jordan Rhodes, Chris Martin and Steven Naismith have been picked in recent years to lead the line, but with only 22 goals in 107 caps between them, these sorts of figures are by no means frightening to opposing nations.

Griffiths himself has only bagged four in 17 caps himself, but has demonstrated his qualities against the best such as in the famous 2-2 draw against England, and remains the standout candidate for Scotland number nine jersey.

That being said, with McBurnie as a Rangers target, should the Swansea striker earn a move to Ibrox, there will be quite the rivalry between himself and Griffiths at both club and international level. The Scotland national team has been crying out for competition for places for years, just like the league has been crying out for a team to properly challenge Celtic, and McBurnie could well be the figurehead for both movements if Rangers opt to table an offer.

One thing is for certain, and that is the Swansea owned striker has a real chance to win over McLeish this international break as Griffiths continues to work towards a return to fitness with Celtic.