OLIVER BURKE

Age: 18

Position: Right Wing

Club: Nottingham Forest

League apps 15/16: 10

Goals: 2

Describe your style of play?

Fast and nippy dribbler with an eye for goal. A big leap/jump and not afraid of taking players on.

You made your proffesional league debut at the age of 17 on 14 February 2015 as a 64th-minute substitute away to Blackpool, what was going through your mind when you got on?

It was an amazing feeling, it's what I've been dreaming of putting a Nottingham Forest shirt on with my name and number.

You scored your first goal for Nottingham Forest against Cardiff City on 29th December 2015, how did that feel?

A feeling that can't be described. Mixed emotions, chills running through my body as the Forest fans shout my name and cheers. Then feeling a tad emotional, happy emotion. I thought it was a nice goal for a first one too haha.

Watch Oliver Burke's first goal for Nottingham Forrest

What is it like training with the first-team?

Training with the first team is very high intensity and everyday is a day to prove your worthy of getting a place in the team.

What is your aim for the rest of the season?

To play as many games as I can and keep pushing for starts week in week out, and obviously to put on a show and play well, also improve myself in training and work hard.

Dougie Freedman speaks very highly of you. How has he helped your recent development as a footballer?

Dougie has helped me a lot giving me my opportunities and believing in my talent. I think he's fantastic, making sure I keep my feet on the ground and making me the best player possible as he works me hard in training.

How old were you when Nottingham Forest scouted you?

I have been at Forest for 10 and-a-half-years now starting at the age of 8 years-old. I came through being a striker and then moved out on the wing very quickly since joining.

What is the best advice you have been given?

I always get advice but I just take it in and listen to what's been said.

You have international caps for Scotland U19s, how does it differ from Club football?

I think tactics etc are different because when you meet up with your country not everybody knows you and how you play. I believe the times I have been with the squad training, games are very intent and we go into every game expecting to win.

I have been playing first team at Forest so I'm playing with men, many guys with 10+ years of experience on me. It's not just physically but mentally you got to be switched on and do the job the manager is asking, also to always enjoy which Dougie will always say to me which makes me feel more happy and relaxed.

Oliver Burke Celebrates with his Scotland team-mates

What is your long term aim?

To play Premier League football and be the best I can be.

What is your meal of choice on matchday?

Pocahed egg on toast with a little bit of avacado and bowl of porridge.

What does it take to become a young proffesional like yourself?

Work as hard as you can on and off the pitch such as eating the correct foods, working in the gym, getting the best hours sleep to ensure you have done everything you can before you train and play matches, also be prepared to make sacrifices. Mentally be prepared for ups and down and make sure you listen to coaches and staff no matter what it is. Being a good person also doesn't harm.

Away from football what are your hobbies?

Football is life. But I love just chilling, watching films and playing on my Xbox.

If you weren't a footballer. What would you be doing?

Not a clue.

Who is your inspiration?

Cristiano Ronaldo

What Dougie Freedman told the Nottingham Post about Oliver Burke:

"He is a huge, huge talent. He is a very exciting. He is the quickest player at the club and has a fantastic leap on him. He has great dribbling skills, he has goals in him and his decision making is improving," he said. "He will play at the very top level.''

YOUTH ACADEMYS