Bradford City are adjusting incredibly well to life in League One, but there is one youngster who is relishing any chance in the first team; the 17 year old Oli McBurnie now has two first team appearances under his belt. McBurnie, a product of the youth team, had been on fine form netting an impressive 17 goals from just 10 matches which had caught the eye of manager Phil Parkinson. However, the story doesn’t just start with the goals.
McBurnie had played impressively for Bradford’s youth team, and caught the eye of Manchester United which led to his appearance in the summer in the Milk Cup tournament. The Milk Cup is a fantastic opportunity for youngster to showcase their talent; McBurnie’s call up to Manchester United prompted a fantastic performance from the youngster who seemingly netted goal after goal for the Premier League heavyweights. Manchester United finished winners of the tournament and who else could it be to seal the victory of the cup than McBurnie. Some previous players in this tournament have included Giggs, Beckham, Defoe, and most recently, England star, Danny Welbeck. McBurnie was honoured to have taken part in the cup for such a large club and proved a credit to himself with a brilliant 5 goals and the award of the golden boot. Along his trip, he met the likes of Rooney and many other first team Manchester United stars, but the youngster was not fazed by the stardom. There was nothing he wanted more than his home debut for his beloved Bradford City.
Growing up as a Leeds fan, it would be surprising that McBurnie ended up at Bradford. However, he made his league debut at Oldham Athletic coming on as a substitute for another striker in fine goal-scoring form, Nahki Wells. McBurnie’s first team debut was at Rotherham , Bradford’s fierce rivals, and with more first team chances ahead, he will be doing everything possible to amass more performances in the Claret and Amber. A home, first-team debut was all that was left to make. However, before thoughts of the first team, he will be fully focused on the youth teams fixtures, with the FA Youth Cup tie against Millwall looming. Four hat-tricks so far this season for the youth team is a remarkable achievement, yet the young striker is modest in his own ability and simply cannot wait to score more.
“Obviously I’m buzzing to have made my league debut [today], and it was a good point for the lads. I just need to keep pushing on and get as much game time as I can, and keep progressing.”
~Oli McBurnie talking to Jake Verity
McBurnie has great physical attributes: a good height of 6 foot 2, and a natural aerial presence, he is certainly one to watch. With a sharp eye for goal and finishing expertise, he is a valuable asset for Bradford City. His future looks even brighter than his clever mind, in which he reads the game so instinctively. Having already became a fan favorite at 17, he is only just beginning to showcase his ability. Watch out for this promising youngster!
