Burke knows Sebastian Hoeness’ side well and admits he still ‘loves’ Cetic and watches the Hoops when he can
Oliver Burke of 1. FC Union Berlin interacts with fans
Oli Burke has warned Celtic absolutely nothing will come easy for them against Stuttgart this week.
The Bundesliga outfit jet into Glasgow for the first leg of a crunch Europa League playoff clash for a spot in the last 16.
And former Celtic loanee Burke, who has been thriving in Germany with Union Berlin this season, has been blown away by how Sebatsian Hoesness’ side have been performing this term.
“Stuttgart are not an easy team,” he said. “They’re doing brilliantly this season.
“Celtic are an amazing club. I love the club. I still watch here and there.
Burke had a stint at Celtic in 2019(Image: SNS Group)
“I watched the Kilmarnock game the other day. I was saying to my wife ‘they’re going to score in the last minute’ because it’s just Celtic typical.”
Burke made the switch to Union Berlin from Werder Bremen in the summer and has been in good form for the capital club.
He looks to be starting to fulfil some of the potential that earned him a mega money move to RB Leipzig back in 2016 and he puts it down to one thing.
“I almost feel like a different player, but obviously that comes with maturing,” he said. “Knowing your job better and being more effective in your role, defensively as well.
“It’s just about adapting really.”
Burke has been mentioned as a potential wild card entry into Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for this summer’s World Cup Finals in the USA.
However, it’s been nearly six years since Burke last pulled on the dark blue and isn’t pinning his hopes in making a return in time to earn himself a seat on the plane.
(Image: SNS Group)
“I’m just focused on my football here and what happens, happens really,” he said. “I’ve not really thought too much on it. Obviously, I know there’s a World Cup coming up, but I’ve not really been a part of it recently.
“I’m not really expecting anything. I’m just enjoying myself and enjoying football again, which is the most important thing for me.
“If I can, hopefully, do some good performances, score some more goals and hopefully that is catching the eye a little bit and gives me a chance, at least.
“Obviously, it’s an absolute honour to wear the badge and represent your country. It’s such a privilege. Obviously, I would really love that again and to have that experience again.
“I cannot think too much on that. I have to just stay focused and do the best I can here and see what happens.”
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