Scotland: Oliver Burke “doesn’t expect” a World Cup call-up

Ollie Burke insists he has not given much thought to Scotland’s World Cup call-up and is simply focusing on Union Berlin’s good performance in the Bundesliga.

The 28-year-old joined Union on a long-term contract in the summer and has scored four goals this season, including a hat-trick against Eintracht Frankfurt.

“I’m just focusing on the football here and what happens, does happen,” said Burke, who made his last 13 caps in 2020.

“I haven’t thought much about it. Obviously I know there’s a World Cup coming up, but I haven’t been part of it recently.

“I’m not really expecting anything. I’m just enjoying myself and enjoying my football again, which is the most important thing for me.

“If I can, hopefully I can put in some good performances, score more goals, and hopefully that will catch the eye a bit and give me a chance, at least.

“Obviously it’s an absolute honor to wear the badge and represent your country. It’s a huge honour. Obviously I’d really love to do it again and have that experience again.”

“I can’t think too much about it. I have to stay focused and do my best here and see what happens.”

Burke is in his third spell in Germany, having made his first move to the Bundesliga in 2016, when he joined RB Leipzig from Nottingham Forest for a record fee for a Scottish player of £13m.

“I was young, and I didn’t know much about price,” he recalls. “I didn’t understand it much at that age. As I got older, it started to get a little heavier.

“In football, everything happens quickly. You have good moments and then there can be bad moments.

“It’s been like this my whole career. Many ups and many downs.”