It has been a roller coaster ride for Oliver Burke since emerging through the academy ranks of Nottingham Forest. The Scotsman made significant strides in his teenage years which eventually led to a high-profile transfer to the Bundesliga big boys RB Leipzig back in 2016. But his spell in Germany did not last long as the player struggled to get enough minutes as he was mostly being utilised as a substitute.
Burke returned to English football a year later when West Brom’s bid of £15m got accepted by the Bulls. But the youngster rarely featured in a season that saw the Baggies finish rock bottom in the Premier League standings.
He, however, was supposed to have a relevant role this term to secure an immediate return to the top tier but has only managed three substitute league appearances under Darren Moore before being loaned out to his homeland with Celtic for the remainder of the campaign.
The Scottish international, meanwhile, enjoyed a blistering start to his Premiership debut notching up a brace against St. Mirren. Even though the 21-year-old is more suited down the wide areas, Brendan Rodgers seems to have played a masterstroke deploying him as a ‘number 9′. His physicality and work ethics are allowing him to fit in Rodgers’ strategy and the player, too, seems to be enjoying his time after a frustrating one-and-a-half year stint in West Midlands.
Burke has expressed his desire to secure a permanent switch in a recent chat (via The Daily Record) and is desperate to keep up his good work leaving the rough spell behind.
“I feel at home already and I’m sure if I continue to keep doing well I’m sure I’ll want to stay here as a player.”
Celtic are eyeing a ‘treble treble’ under Rodgers’ regime but, at the same time, are experiencing a sterner test this time around, particularly after the resurgence of Rangers under Steven Gerrard’s tutelage. The Hoops had a disastrous summer in terms of transfer business but have reacted in the best possible manner over the past few weeks roping in Timothy Weah and Vakoun Issouf Bayo alongside Burke.
The reinforcements made in the attacking third have increased the quality significantly, and the Scotsman must compete with his teammates now to secure a regular role. But his ability to feature anywhere in the attacking third would hand the gaffer flexibility while utilising his options. Burke, still pretty young despite such highs and lows already, must grasp the opportunity to put his career back together.
