Hull City striker Oli McBurnie says he remains “always available” for Scotland after admitting disappointment at missing out on Steve Clarke’s latest squads despite his outstanding early-season form.
The 29-year-old has scored seven goals and provided three assists since joining the Tigers in the summer, yet was overlooked again for World Cup qualifiers against Greece and Belarus, making only the reserve list.
Form That Demands a Look
McBurnie has been central to Hull City’s upturn under head coach Sergej Jakirović, netting six times in the Championship and earning repeated Team of the Week recognition. His brace against Preston North End capped a prolific opening period, with the forward describing his omission as both a surprise and a spur.
“All I can do is keep performing for my club and keep giving the manager something to think about,” McBurnie told Hull Live. “I was half disappointed that the squad came out and I wasn’t in it, but that’s the manager’s decision. I want to help my country get to the World Cup. It’s been a while, and like I say, all I can do is keep giving him that selection headache.
“No, I’ve not heard anything from the manager. I think they’ve been watching a couple of times. They’ve got in contact with my agent and just said, ‘Would I be open to coming back?’ “Yeah, of course, I’m always willing to play for my country. It’s the proudest moment of my career playing for my country, so I’m always available for selection. I’m here whenever they need me.”
McBurnie last featured for Scotland in 2021 and has 16 senior caps. With competitive fixtures again on the horizon next month, he hopes sustained club form will elevate him from standby to a full call-up, targeting potential involvement against Greece in Athens and Denmark at home.
Hull City Platform Boosting International Case
The former Sheffield United forward has quickly become Hull’s focal point, combining penalty-box presence with improved link play. His movement has dovetailed with the Tigers’ wider attacking threat, offering Clarke a traditional No 9 option in strong rhythm.
While international selection hinges on the national team’s tactical balance and fitness landscape, a goals-to-games return of this pace typically attracts attention as qualifying pressure builds.
Writer’s View
On form alone, McBurnie’s candidature is hard to ignore. A run of goals for a high-positioned Championship side presents a clear audition, and his profile offers Scotland a different reference point up front. Ultimately, selection will come down to system fit and competition for places, but if the striker maintains this strike rate into November, the conversation shifts from hopeful to compelling.
For Hull City, the by-product is positive: a motivated, sharp front man whose international ambitions are feeding week-to-week performances at the MKM Stadium.
