Hot-shot Burns back in Socceroos
THE Wellington Phoenix’s loss is the Socceroos’ gain.
Phoenix striker Nathan Burns, the A-League’s golden boot leader with a record 10 goals from 11 games, was yesterday named in Australia’s 23-man squad for next month’s Asian Cup, ending three years in the international wilderness.
The 26-year-old speedster will play against Western Sydney Wanderers at Westpac Stadium on Sunday before joining the Socceroos’ camp on Monday.
Burns will miss the Phoenix’s games against Adelaide United on New Year’s Eve and Brisbane Roar on January 4, while his availability for the February 2 rematch with the Roar hinges on his level of involvement in the tournament and Australia’s progression on home soil.
The Asian Cup final is in Sydney on January 31.
While Burns’ goals will be badly missed in the short term, his selection in Ange Postecoglou’s squad should also provide positive spinoffs for the club.
Similar to the Warriors in the NRL, top Australian footballers have often been reluctant to play in Wellington.
Defenders Jon McKain and Jade North – who were both selected for the Socceroos while playing for the Phoenix – and now Burns have been the exceptions rather than the rule.
Coach Ernie Merrick sold Burns on reigniting his career at the Phoenix and the results have been astounding. Across 1 4 8 9 11 13 15 16 18 20 22 23 25 26 27 28 Down 2 3 4 5 6 7 10 12 13 14 17 19 20 21 23 24
‘‘Ernie told me where he saw the club going and what his plans were, so I have no regrets, that’s for sure,’’ a ‘‘stoked’’ Burns said yesterday.
‘‘It’s all working out, his vision, so if we keep building on that then players will keep succeeding under Ernie. ‘‘Indivually I’m doing well because of the team – we’re playing really good football. The goals are going in and I’m very confident, but I’ve got to keep going.’’
Burns made his senior international debut in 2007 and was a member of Australia’s 2011 Asian Cup squad that lost 1-0 to Japan in the final.
He is yet to score a goal for his country in seven appearances and will compete for a spot in the forward line with the likes of Tim Cahill, Robbie Kruse and Matthew Leckie.
‘‘You’re never sure in football. You may start every game or sit on the bench.
‘‘But everyone’s there to play – Ange wouldn’t be taking anyone for experience.
‘‘It’s a massive event, being on home soil, so I can’t wait.’’
From country New South Wales, Burns is as down to earth as they come and a perfect fit for the Phoenix’s blue collar, community-focused ethos.
He shrugs off memories of the media hype that surrounded the early part of his professional career when he burst onto the A-League scene as a whiz-kid with Adelaide. ‘‘That’s what the media put on your shoulders but it’s unrealistic pressure when you get compared to Harry Kewell. People around me, my coaches, never put any labels on me like that. At 18 there was a bit of pressure on me but the media does that with a lot of players, I wasn’t the only one compared to him. I’m sure there will be plenty more.’’