The Scotland international joined German side RB Leipzig in the summer.
Oliver Burke in action for RB Leipzig
Scotland under-21 boss Scott Gemmill has told his nation’s young stars to look up to former Nottingham Forest winger Oliver Burke for inspiration, as reported by Sky Sports.
The former Forest midfielder has taken over from Ricky Sbragia as the Scotland under-21 boss and has already announced a squad for his upcoming first fixtures in charge against Iceland and Macedonia in October.
Nottingham Forest’s Oliver Burke celebrates scoring their third goal
He made it clear that the former Forest player’s career progression should be the benchmark that Scottish youngsters look to achieve:
“Oliver is a real, obvious example of how quickly it can escalate for a young player.
“It should motivate the lads by showing that if you’re doing well at the younger levels then the manager is prepared to play you in the full squad.
“I was lucky to work with Oliver with the U19s. I was actually one of the first people to be sent to watch him when we found out he was eligible to play for Scotland. His talent was obvious and he was full of potential.
“He seems to have made a good start to his time in Germany. He has everything you need to become a top player – that’s what makes his potential so outstanding.
“But Oliver is willing to listen and wants to get better. That’s an important message for the other young players.”
Burke had a breakthrough 12 months at Forest prior to making a big transfer in the summer.
Scotland’s Oliver Burke
After just 31 games for Forest, and six goals, Burke was sold for a big fee to Bundesliga side RB Leipzig in the summer and has already looked impressive in German football.
His progression from Forest youth teamer to Bundesliga star is certainly a marker for all of Scotland’s young talent to aspire to and there is little wonder why Gemmill is so happy to comment on him as the benchmark.
Burke is set to feature for Gordon Strachan’s Scotland senior side in upcoming games against Lithuania and Slovakia next month.
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