Oli McBurnie tasked with big role in Hull City's Premier League return

Former England striker Emile Heskey says Hull City's Premier League survival hopes will hinge on the success of Oli McBurnie, and whether he can recapture his impressive form in firing the Tigers to promotion.

McBurnie's 19th and final goal of the Championship season came in the play-off final at Wembley back in May, with his 95th-minute goal enough to sink Middlesbrough and seal promotion.

The experienced forward is desperate for another crack at the top flight, having had spells with Swansea City and Sheffield United, but feels he's more mature and ready than ever to be a success.

Sitting on 96 appearances in the Premier League, McBurnie, 30, is just four away from a century and will be charged with leading the line when Sergej Jakirovic's men kick off against Manchester United shortly after high noon on August 22 at the MKM Stadium.

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While we are in the market for more attacking players this summer, McBurnie will be given the chance to spearhead the Tigers' attack and fire the goals to keep the Tigers in the division.

Heskey, who enjoyed a fine career as a forward, believes McBurnie's experience in the Premier League will go some way to better preparing him for the challenge ahead.

"If you look at what Oli McBurnie did at Sheffield United, he probably wants to better that. He's a more experienced player now and has been through it before," Heskey told Hull Live, via Boyle Sports.

"He knows what it takes to score goals at that level. He might not get as many chances as he once did, so he has to be more clinical, but his experience will help him.

"If they are to stay up, McBurnie will have to be at his very best next season."

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