Oli McBurnie has urged new Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli to hand him an international recall after he was overlooked for the World Cup. The Hull City striker, who last featured for Scotland in 2021, scored 19 goals in 42 matches last season to help the Tigers return to the Premier League, but former manager Steve Clarke did not select him for the finals in North America.
Fresh start under new boss
Pocognoli will name his first Scotland squad on Tuesday for the start of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League campaign, with fixtures against Slovenia, Switzerland and North Macedonia upcoming. McBurnie, who provided an assist in Hull's 2-2 draw with Chelsea at the weekend, hopes his displays in the English top flight will convince the Belgian to bring him back.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the 30-year-old said: "Yeah, of course. I've been vocal throughout about that being one of my main aims (to get back in the squad). I feel like last year I put my best foot forward and gave myself a real good chance to make my way back into the squad before the World Cup."
Respect for Clarke's decision
"That wasn't to be and that was the manager's decision, I completely understand that. But there has been a change and a new manager so hopefully he'll have some fresh ideas. Hopefully if I am performing for my club and at a high level then I can make my way back into that set up."
Last week, Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic backed McBurnie for a recall, saying: "This is a question for the new head coach of the Scotland team. But he deserved to be at the World Cup already because he had great numbers last season and he is very important as a team player."
Jakirovic's backing
"Even in our two games this season, he just missed scoring a goal and didn't have a lot of chances because he worked a lot for the team and his presence is very valuable to us and the team. He's important to us and I expect that he will get the invitation for September."
