Oliver Burke cools comparisons with Gareth Bale ahead of England clash

By Charles Patterson, Sky Sports News HQ

Image: Oliver Burke has dismissed comparisons with Gareth Bale

Oliver Burke hopes his move to Germany will help him give a much-needed boost to Scotland on the international stage.

Scotland take on England in a World Cup Qualifier at Wembley on Friday sitting fourth in Group F after a 3-0 defeat to Slovakia last month.

But while Burke has made a fine start to his time with RB Leipzig following his record £13m move from Nottingham Forest in the summer, the 19-year-old has just four international caps to his name after making his debut against Denmark in March and has played down comparisons with Gareth Bale's impact with Wales  

Image: Burke hopes to win his place back in the Scotland team to face England

"It's obviously normal but it is not a thing people concentrate on - 'you're worth this or that'. It's not about that," he told Sky Sports News HQ

"They're nice comparisons. Whenever something like this happens there are always comparisons but you have to look at what Gareth Bale has done, he has won Champions League medals and is at Real Madrid and he has pretty much done everything.

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"For me, I'm nowhere near that, nowhere near his level. I'm still a young boy; there is still a long way for me to go. You can compare but, for me personally, I'm Oliver Burke and I'm myself and I just do what I can do and work to give 100 per cent.

Oliver Burke is settling into his new life in Germany and aims to win the Bundesliga in his first season at RB Leipzig

"Of course, Bale has been the highlight for Wales but they have many talents in their team. You can't just say Wales have got where they are because of Gareth Bale - that would be a horrible thing to hear for a team-mate of Gareth Bale in Wales.

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"There is always going to be pressure with big moves but I've just got to keep pushing myself and not get it all on top of me which is going really great so far. I'm in a very happy place, the happiest I've been."

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Burke was dropped for the defeat to Slovakia, a result which has piled the pressure on manager Gordon Strachan ahead of the trip to Wembley.

"Obviously I was very disappointed not being a part of that squad and sitting and watching the game for me wasn't the greatest of things. I will admit it, I wasn't happy but, at the end of the day, if that's what Gordon thinks is right and he is happy with that decision then that is fine, I am still happy to be there and still happy to be part of the squad. 

Image: Burke has won four caps for his country

"Gordon Strachan has been brilliant with me, he got me into the squad and really helped me settle into the team nicely, but football is a winning game and of course these things happen. 

"I'll go into this next camp and give my all again. There are no hard feelings or anything like that.

"We are going to go into the game like we are going to win. We are a passionate team and we strive for victory but it is a big occasion. Hopefully we do very well. I am excited to be a part of that; it is my first game against England.

"Of course we have to win - we have no option."

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