He’s the man who has been making all of the headlines recently and labelled as an extremely bright prospect.
19-year-old Oliver Burke has been consistently terrorising defenders in the Championship for Nottingham Forrest, justifying a record breaking deal estimated to be around £13 million, transferring him to RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga.
Called up ahead of Sunday’s opening World Cup Qualifier against Malta, Burke’s feet have barely touched the ground and he’s still on cloud nine following a whirlwind few days that saw him score for Nottingham Forrest on Saturday before penning his new deal in Germany the following day.
Reflecting on the news that he is now the most expensive Scottish player ever, Burke spoke exclusively to Michael Lamont from the Scottish FA and said: “I couldn’t believe it when I found out. I didn’t realise I’d be the most expensive Scottish player, even when I signed.
“It’s a real privilege and fantastic achievement for me. I’m really delighted that the hard work I’ve put in has paid off.”
Despite having a tremendous amount of talent, young Burke is also incredibly humble and is excited about the new challenge which will see him come up against some of the biggest clubs in the world. Next week he could potentially make his debut for RB Leipzig against European giants Borussia Dortmund.
“I knew about their interest for around a week and knew they had fantastic belief in me and loved me as a player,” Burke said when discussing his move.
“I believe the Bundesliga is one of the best leagues in the world, just from what I’ve seen on TV.
“I think the style of play will really suit me and especially Leipzig. They’ve shown me a few clips of them playing and their style suits me perfectly.
“I really couldn’t turn it down. The facilities are top notch; five star! I couldn’t say anything bad about the club including the staff and the manager. They are really kind and have treated me like a real gem which is a privilege and I’m really happy to have signed for them.”
With the large price tags and impressive performances comes pressure to perform and it is a challenge relished by Burke.
The man with two Scotland caps to his name so far said: “You’re always going to have pressure as a footballer and if you can’t take it then you’re in the wrong game I believe.
“I take everything with a pinch of salt but I appreciate all the advice I get and I believe I can deal with the pressure well. All I want to do is play football and work my socks off.
“It’s been an emotional journey for me and I believe this is a new chapter for me. I’m ready to push on.”
Born in Kirkcaldy and brought up in Melton Mowbray on the outskirts of Nottingham, Burke is proud of his Scottish heritage and his dreams came true back in March when he ran out onto the Hampden Park turf to make his debut against Denmark.
“That was a great feeling,” he said.
“I wasn’t expecting to play much but adrenaline was rushing through me and I wanted to play.
“I was warming up like a cheetah in a barn! It was crazy.
“It was a great experience and hopefully the first of many.”
Sunday sees Scotland’s World Cup campaign begin in Malta and it’s an occasion Burke is targeting to have a big influence on.
“There’s a big excitement (in the squad) as we’re going into games believing we’re going to win.
“Hopefully I can help the team to do that.
“If I am given the chance (to play) I will do my very best and give 110%. I always will!”