Swansea City striker Oli McBurnie is learning from Fernando Llorente
15th December
Oli McBurnie believes Fernando Llorente's influence at Swansea City has helped develop his own game.
While the young striker is yet to play alongside the Spaniard in a competitive game, McBurnie feels he has benefited greatly from the knowledge and advice handed out by the Swans' World Cup winner.
Llorente has scored five goals in his 13 appearances - four coming in as many games - for the Swans since his summer switch from Sevilla.
McBurnie, meanwhile, scored twice on his senior Swans debut in the EFL Cup win at Peterborough in August before making his Premier League debut four days later.
The 20-year-old has since been in regular scoring form for the club's under-23s side, while, most recently, he came off the bench in last weekend's 3-0 top-flight win over Sunderland at the Liberty.
And McBurnie believes his improvement on the pitch has come from working alongside the experienced Llorente.
"Fernando's experience in the game is unbelievable - he has been a great help to me already," said the former Bradford forward.
"His English has improved so much since he joined, and he often pulls me aside in training and gives me helpful advice.
"To be able to train and play alongside someone who has won the World Cup and European Championships - among other titles - is a great opportunity for me.
"I feel like I have learned a lot from him already, and hopefully I'll get the chance to show that on the pitch when needed."
McBurnie's opportunity in the first team comes on the back of Jay Fulton and Stephen Kingsley's appearances under Bob Bradley.
Kingsley and Fulton have 13 Premier League appearances between them so far this term, with the latter starting the last five matches.
And seeing his fellow Scots being handed regular opportunities to shine is something that McBurnie hopes to replicate.
"Jay has played very well in the chances he's had recently, while Stephen has always stepped up when he's been in the team," added McBurnie.
"Seeing them doing so well shows you that the club and manager will give youth a chance.
"For me, that's great to see. I had the chance earlier in the season when I scored twice on my debut in the cup, and to get some minutes under my belt in the Premier League was a great boost.
"It means I want to experience more of that, and the manager knows that I'm doing my best in training and when I'm playing for the U23s in order to be ready for when he needs me.
"It would be great to be involved in the squad for Saturday's game at Middlesbrough, but I understand the options the manager has.
"But being around the first team squad is beneficial for me, and if I'm called upon to play a part then I'll be ready."
