Bluenose Scotland striker Oliver McBurnie was on a hiding to nothing during this international break.
Prior to the match with Russia, the lanky forward risked the ire of Scotland fans when a dubious video appeared allegedly showing McBurnie criticising the national set-up.
Scotland assistant coach Steven Reid then claimed a line was drawn under the incident [BBC Sport], but it hasn’t stopped him being the scapegoat following the team’s 2-1 defeat to Russia.
The big striker is being roundly criticised from some quarters for his performance in Scotland’s abject display to Russia which all but ends the side’s chance of Euro 2020 qualifications through the groups.
It’s not just been from angry members of the Tartan Army or those cringeworthy Celtic fan pages either – the likes of tiresome pundit Michael Stewart have also chimed in with a negative opinion on the forward.
Some Rangers fans have naturally hissed back in defence of the big striker. There’s a genuine feeling a lot of this is because of McBurnie’s club allegiance.
But, being very honest, that strikes a little too simple and dramatic for the average Scotland supporter.
The footballing issues with the nation are endemic and there’s little a 23-year-old forward is going to change about it.
For some fans, McBurnie’s comments about the Scotland set-up pre-match were enough to warrant the negative response.
For others, there is absolutely no doubt it’s because the player is a dyed-in-the-wool Rangers fan. There’s plenty on Twitter which suggests this.
Hell, there will even be some simply jumping on the bandwagon because it’s easy to get their emotions on the subject out.
But – and whilst this doesn’t fit with the Scottish football hysteria – Oliver McBurnie could be getting criticised as he just doesn’t seem to be hitting the heights he is in England with Scotland.
Then again, neither are most of the team.
