BBC pundit urges Oliver Burke to stay put with Celtic next season

BBC pundit Don Hutchinson believes Oliver Burke would be better served remaining with Celtic rather than trying to prove himself at West Bromwich Albion. The Scotland international joined the Hoops on a short-term loan from the Baggies in January after he endured a frustrating spell where he was barely playing for the west Midlands side.

His fortunes have indeed changed with Celtic, where he has managed four goals and an assist across all competitions and Hutchinson feels the forward should seek to stay put with the Scottish champions next term. Speaking on BBC Five Radio Live, Hutchinson said that the 21-year-old would be better served to plying his trade in his home country, given he is unlikely to make the Premier League cut, should the Baggies seal promotion.

He said: “There’s no need for Oli Burke to move away from Celtic because at the present time, the form he has been in, not amazing form but better form from where he was a year ago. He probably wouldn’t get in most Premier League sides at the moment, not starting anyway. So this is no disrespect to Celtic but it’s a great place for Oli Burke to try and improve, play well, and have an atmosphere and a crowd that are going to drive him on and a manager in Neil Lennon, or whoever it may be in the summer, that will drive him on to the next level.”

Burke was highlighted as one of the most-promising young prospects in Scotland football during his time at RB Leipzig but he has not managed to live up to the expectation with the Baggies. His position next season may be dependent on the manager, who takes over at the west Midlands side but his future with the club appears slim with several experienced players ahead of him.

Meanwhile, a permanent move to Celtic could be an option, but the Glasgow giants may opt against the same unless they are offered a bargain deal. West Brom bought Burke from Leipzig for £13.5m two years ago and such a price can be deemed too steep for the Hoops.