CONTRARY to popular belief, Scotland have a group of young talented players ready to make an impression on the big stage, none more so than Oliver Burke.

The 20-year-old moved from Nottingham Forest to RB Leipzig last summer for £13 million and impressed in the Bundesliga, scoring one goal in 25 appearances.

A striker who could have played for England but chose to represent Scotland, Burke opted to make a name for himself outside of Britain at a time when players of his generation would rather collect their earnings playing reserve football.

Burke led the line for a much changed Leipzig — no-one who played on Saturday in the 1-0 defeat to Sevilla saw the field yesterday — and showed a glimpse of his talent when he nearly got on the end of a through ball despite starting 10 yards behind Benfica’s Lisandro.

The German side took the lead through Marcel Halstenberg and Burke continued to cause a problem for the Benfica defence, always looking to get in behind.

Midway through the first half Burke nearly got the better of Lisandro again, however the veteran centre-back used his experience to shield the ball as it harmlessly rolled through to goalkeeper Varela.

With eight minutes to go of the first half, Burke had the perfect opportunity to get on the scoresheet. Beating two players on the right-hand side, he burst into the box and drew a fine save from Varela.

From the rebound, he volleyed it towards goal only for the shotstopper to thwart him once again.

Leipzig doubled their lead minutes into the second half, Marvin Compper’s free header from a free-kick leaving Varela rooted to the spot.

With 20 minutes remaining, Benfica introduced Chris Willock, the 19-year-old having just left Arsenal on a free transfer, while Burke left the field for Erik Majetschak — two British players who had decided their future lies abroad. More need to follow their example.