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James McFadden says Oliver Burke could be crucial for Scotland in the World Cup qualifiers

Oliver Burke in action for Scotland against Norway in March
Image: Oliver Burke in action for Scotland against Norway in March

Former Scotland international James McFadden believes Oliver Burke's big-money move to the Bundesliga could boost Scotland's hopes of reaching the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The 19-year-old winger moved from Nottingham Forest to German side RB Leipzig on a five-year deal for a reported fee of £13m.

Burke will be looking to earn his third cap in Scotland's opening World Cup qualifier against Malta in Valletta on Sunday.

McFadden, who won 48 caps for Scotland, has not watched Burke too much, but he revealed Motherwell boss and national team assistant Mark McGhee has high hopes for the player.

McGhee believes Burke could have a similar career path to Wales and Real Madrid star Gareth Bale.

James McFadden scores for Scotland against France in Paris
Image: James McFadden scores for Scotland against France in Paris in 2007

"The fact that he has got his move, hopefully he will come into the camp and be full of confidence and can impress enough," the Motherwell player/assistant manager said.

"He is unknown a bit so it is better going into games when the teams you are playing against don't really know what you are like or everything about you.

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Motherwell assistant manager James McFadden says Scotland can finish above England in Group F.

"If he can come in and get some games it would be great. When he was in the first couple of squads, nobody knew anything about him.

"I don't think he has played that much for Nottingham Forest and then he goes for £13m or £15m whatever it is.

Oliver Burke's form for Nottingham Forest has earned him a big-money move
Image: Burke's form for Nottingham Forest has earned him a big-money move

"I think it is great. He is going to a different country and learning a new way of playing the game, to learn a new culture and develop hopefully in a good way for Scotland.

"I know that Mark McGhee is a massive fan and I don't think he will be surprised that he has gone for that amount of money.

"Mark never said too much about the campaign, he just spoke about him as a player and he feels he can go all the way to the top.

"The comparisons have been made with Gareth Bale and according to Mark he won't be surprised if he goes on the same way he did.

"He has a great physique. He has all the attributes to become a real top player.

"The fact that he has made the move at such a young age tells you all you need to know about him."

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