Swans duo face off in international derby

Oli McBurnie is relishing the opportunity of facing Swans team-mate Tammy Abraham when Scotland play England in their Uefa Under-21 Championship qualifier this week.

The players lock horns at the Riverside Stadium on Friday as the Scots aim to build on September’s 2-0 victory over Holland.

Meanwhile, Abraham’s fourth U21s goal helped England to a 3-0 win over Latvia’s youngsters last month.

And despite the pair forming a football friendship at the Liberty, McBurnie admits they will have to put their rapport on hold for 90 minute.

“We have had a bit of banter about it behind the scenes at the training ground,” said the 21-year-old.

“It should be a good game. I am looking forward to it. It’s always good to play against players you know but it is even better when you are team-mates with them.

“We are good friends but we will put that to one side for this game and see who comes out with the bragging rights.

“There will be some good competition between us. We are underdogs going into the game but we showed against Holland that we can beat some of the best in Europe.

“England have quality throughout the squad but we are full of confidence going into it and are aiming to get another win in the group.”

McBurnie has earned eight caps for the young Tartan Army and scored his first goal for the U21s during the 3-1 win over Northern Ireland in March last year.

And the striker admits he has ambitions to break into his nation’s senior side.

“I love my international football and playing for Scotland,” he said. “It is every kid’s dream to play for your country and is one of the proudest things I have done in my career so far.

“My aim is to get a first team call up for Scotland. I feel that will come in time if I keep working hard and doing what I am doing.”