McFadden tips Oliver Burke to shine

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 became football's most expensive Scot when he made the stunning move from Nottingham Forest to German side RB Leipzig on a five-year deal for a reported fee of £13million.

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

Speaking at a William Hill media event at Hampden Park, Motherwell's player/assistant manager, who earned 48 caps for Scotland, insists Burke can only benefit from his move which should have a knock-on effect for Scotland.

"The fact that he has got his move, hopefully he will come into the camp and be full of confidence and can impress enough,'' he 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.

"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 £13million or £15million whatever it is.

"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 (Motherwell manager and Scotland assistant boss) 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.''

McFadden, who will forever be a hero to the Tartan Army for his Euro 2008 qualifying winner against France in Paris in 2007, won his last cap against Liechtenstein in a European Championship qualifier in September 2010.

The 33-year-old was keen to stress he has not retired from international football - captain Scott Brown recently announced he was stepping down from Gordon Strachan's squad - but has dealt with falling short of the 50-cap mark which would have seen him recognised in the Scottish FA's roll of honour.

The former Everton and Birmingham City player said: "I would say that's it done. I have not retired from international football yet but the fact that I have not been involved in the last few years would tell you that it is never going to happen again.

"But I had a great time as a player and obviously I will continue to support them, it is my country and I love to see them doing well.

"I got 48 caps, I am happy.

"I am not going to start moaning that I got another two. I am delighted with the amount I've got.

"Before I started my career I would have taken a minute on the pitch and that would have been enough for me.''