McBurnie’s previous spell with the national team never produced the impact he wanted, and the forward accepts that responsibility. Now 30, he believes greater maturity - both on and off the pitch - has helped reshape his game.
His return to the conversation follows a strong period with Hull City, including a decisive late goal in the club’s playoff campaign. That form has reopened the door, although his involvement against Slovenia in the Nations League remains subject to selection.
“Sou muito grato por receber essa chance e quero provar por que mereço estar aqui,” McBurnie added, making clear that this is more than a nostalgic recall.
The striker’s Scotland story has also been shaped by his strained relationship with former manager Steve Clarke. McBurnie previously made a controversial comment about the national-team environment and later apologised to Clarke and his teammates.
He now insists the episode should not define him. “Não houve ressentimento. Ele explicou as razões, e isso é justo. Fiquei muito chateado porque sentia que poderia acrescentar algo à seleção,” he said.
That willingness to revisit uncomfortable moments could matter as much as his finishing. Scotland need forwards who can contribute under pressure, but they also need a settled dressing room and players ready to accept competition for places.
The immediate opportunity could come against Slovenia, where McBurnie may have the chance to turn a personal reset into a footballing one. A strong performance would not erase the past, but it could give Scotland another dependable option in attack.
For McBurnie, the next storyline is simple: prove that this recall represents a genuine change, not merely another chance to explain what went wrong.