Matt Ritchie likens Scotland team-mate Oliver Burke to Gareth Bale

Matt Ritchie has likened Scotland team-mate Oliver Burke to Gareth Bale and says the "sky is the limit" for the young winger.

The 19-year-old, who is part of the Scotland squad which begins their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign with a trip to Malta on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1 HD, recently joined newly-promoted Bundesliga outfit Red Bull Leipzig in a £13m move from Nottingham Forest.

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Ritchie recognises Burke's potential and, while keen not to add pressure, says he sees some similarities between him and Wales and Real Madrid star Bale.

"I think if you look at his stature he is very much like Gareth Bale. I don't want to build him up to be Gareth Bale because he is his own man and his own player.

"But, from what I have seen, his ability - the sky is the limit for him and it is all about his mentality, staying grounded and working hard and hopefully he can fulfil his potential. It would be great for Scotland."

Newcastle midfielder Ritchie believes that building early momentum is key to Scotland's hopes of qualifying for the tournament in Russia in two years' time, with Group F fixtures against Slovakia, Slovenia, Lithuania and England to follow.

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"Any campaign it is good to start well, otherwise you have your backs up the wall a little bit," he added.

"It is important to get a good result, and more importantly a good performance as well because I think the performance can give the lads a lot of confidence."