Striker looking forward to a challenge
After four years abroad, Nathan Burns has returned to Australia for another crack at the A-League.
The 25-year-old striker, who started out at Adelaide United before moving to AEK Athens and Korean side Incheon United, has arrived in Newcastle ready for pre-season training with the Jets.
So keen is he to begin training with the Jets, Burns has arrived a full two weeks earlier than expected.
Speaking to Football Australia, he said: ” I’m really excited to be here earlier, it gives me more time to get to know my teammates and prepare for the start of the season.
“I’m just looking forward to starting training and hopefully having a good pre-season.”
Jets have strengthened their defensive line with the addition of Dutch International Kew Jaliens and Burns feels that a signing of that quality can only be good for the side.
“I think the central defender was probably the last hole to fill, so to have another experienced player with his background is a real positive for us.
“We’ve also got a lot of promising young players and I think the squad overall has a good balance now.”
Burns will be one of the older players in a very young squad.
As well as relishing the challenge of passing on his knowledge to the club’s youngsters, he is also well aware that he has a lot to learn from the other senior players.
“It will be a bit different for me being one of the more senior players, but hopefully it’s a role that I can embrace.
“I still feel like I can learn a lot myself from guys like Heskey and Bridges, so that is something I’m really excited about as well.”