Burns home as Jets confirm positive case
NORTHERN Ireland Under-21 international Bobby Burns fears his Australian adventure could be over.
The 20-year-old has been forced to cut short his time with Newcastle Jets and return home due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Burns was enjoying his spell at the A-league side but the campaign has been postponed due to the virus.
And in another development, the Jets have confirmed that one of their players has tested positive for Covid-19, the first confirmed case in the league.
That player featured in the recent behind-closed-doors match against Melbourne City when Burns was an unused substitute.
The Crumlin man, on a loan deal from Hearts since last September, had to be tested for the virus before returning home via Sydney, Kuala Lumpur, London and finally Belfast.
Burns, who started his career at Glenavon, explained on Twitter: “Due to the postponement of the A-league for the virus, I have returned back to Ireland to be with my family.
“I hope that I can return to Australia to finish out the season but with my loan finishing soon and the virus still spreading this may not be possible.
“In case I don’t return, I just wanted to say a huge thanks to the players, coaches and fans @Newcastlejetsfc.
“I’ve had an incredible year travelling in Australia and have learned so much.
“I hope that one day I can return and I pray we can get through this together #Stayathome.”
The A-league is suspended until at least April 22 and remains under review.