The Swans completed the signature of young Bradford City striker Oliver McBurnie yesterday and will be hoping that his 'work experience' with Man Utd will come through and help us in the long run.

McBurnie signed on a three year contract and will bolster the club's youth ranks for next season but it was his brief time with Manchester United back in 2013 that propelled him further up the ladder.

He joined Manchester United on 'work experience' to play for them at U-18 level in The Milk Cup in Northern Ireland a competition that United won but, with five goals, McBurnie also won the golden boot.

McBurnie scored the only goal of the final against Co Tyrone in front of a record crowd of over 3,600.

Speaking after the event McBurnie said “Wayne Rooney, Nani and (Antonio) Valencia were on the pitch next to me — it was unbelievable!

“Then Nani and Valencia came in the pool for a game of water polo with us. I was a bit starstruck but loved every minute of it.

“It went brilliantly and I managed to get on the scoresheet a few times. The club helped me so much and the captain Andreas (Pereira) kept my shirt from the final and I got it signed.

“It’s a good memento and I’ve got it framed on the wall next to my winner’s medal.

“But now it’s all about getting that contract. Playing with Man U was one of the best experiences of my life but that’s gone now and I’ve just got to crack on with Bradford.

“It’s a massive step from apprentice to becoming a pro but I’m hopeful.”

McBurnie ended up joining the Manchester United squad after Peter Horne, City’s head of youth operations got a phone call from the coaching staff at Manchester United

Horne said: “I got a phone call asking if we could help them out for the Milk Cup with a good striker.

“That was on the back of Oli putting in a fantastic shift at Middlesbrough for the youth team in a friendly. It just seemed only right that I recommended him — and he didn’t take much persuading! "

For a young lad then it certainly was a brilliant chance and one that McBurnie grabbed with both hands and lets hope that the experience helps the Swans in the long run

Photo: Action Images

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