Nathan Burns says he is looking forward to forming a fruitful strike partnership with former England international Emile Heskey.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets signing Nathan Burns says he is looking forward to forming a fruitful strike partnership with former England international Emile Heskey.
Burns, who will commence his loan deal with the Jets on September 1, said he is already looking forward to striking up a combination with Heskey in the Jets- front third.
“I-ve always loved Liverpool, they-re my favourite team and I-ve looked up to Heskey for so many years,” Burns said.
“It will be great just to meet him and to play alongside him will be fantastic. Hopefully I can learn a lot from him and improve my game.
“I want to keep improving, so hopefully I can get a lot of game time and progress as player.”
Burns said he is determined to hit the ground running upon his arrival in Newcastle.
“I-m obviously training everyday over here so I-ve got a good base level of fitness,” Burns said.
“Once I get a few pre-season games under my belt with Newcastle, it shouldn-t be too long before I-m fully match fit.”
Burns pointed to the Jets- strong representation in the Socceroos- squad for the EAFF East Asian Cup as evidence of the potential that rests in the Club-s playing stocks.
“I think to have five players in the Socceroos squad is great, especially with most of them being so young and with Ruben Zadkovich who is a good age as well,” Burns said.
“They-re definitely going to work hard and develop and it-s a team with a lot of potential.”
Burns has pulled on the green and gold for the Socceroos on seven occasions, including as a member of the Australian team that made the Final of the 2011 AFC Asian Cup.
Despite the 2014 World Cup in Brazil looming on the horizon, Burns said his focus is first and foremost on putting in consistent performances at Club level.
“I-ve got to play well for Newcastle and do a job there first, so that-s the number one priority,” Burns said.
“Obviously if you do well for your Club then there is a chance you could get picked for the Socceroos, but most importantly it-s about doing well for Newcastle first.”
