Former West Brom striker Craig Beattie has spoken to The Herald about his concern over Oliver Burke and the stagnation in his football career.

Beattie even went as far to suggest that he fears Burke could turn out to be like Mario Balotelli - a player who promised so much in his early career but has failed to live up to it.

The former Scotland international believes in the West Brom man. He knows he has the ability and the physical attributes to be a success - but his mentality is a different story.

Burke had a brilliant start to his career, impressing at Nottingham Forest when he broke into the first team in 2015 - just a few months later he was making his Scotland debut at 18.

His form earned him a £13 million move to Bundesliga side RB Leipzig. He featured less regularly in Germany but did well at times, leading West Brom to pay £15m, but it has been a disaster ever since.

Speaking to The Herald, Craig Beattie said: "I’m scared that Oli Burke is going to turn into a [Mario] Balotelli.

"I think he has all the ability in the world - he is so quick, so strong, his physique is incredible. He has so much ability and so much potential.

"But I just watch him at times and think he doesn’t know where to run, he doesn’t want to run.

"He has tonnes of ability but someone needs to get it out of him regularly.”

Burke spent the second half of last season on loan at Celtic. A player of his ability should have been a real star in Scotland, yet he failed to make an impact and was often left on the bench.

Beattie believes the move did him no favours at all, as a player of his calibre and reputation should make a real impression in a weaker league.

"When he goes back down south, his reputation is going to be tarnished."

The Verdict

Beattie is spot on here. Burke is bearing all the hallmarks of players like Balotelli. All the ability but lack that desire and the know-how to deliver performances on a consistent basis. Balotelli is certainly a player who needs to be in the mood, and it appears Burke could be similar.

Celtic provided him with an escape from his time at The Baggies. He should have thrived in Scotland, what with it being a lower standard and him being closer to home, but once again he hasn't taken the opportunity. He needs the right manager to put an arm round his shoulder and nurture his talent, as well as regular game time. But even that might not be enough for fans to see the real Oli Burke.