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Comeback kid Nathan Burns has no doubt the Socceroos have the strike power and football style to reverse their scoring woes at next month’s Asian Cup.
The Socceroos have continued to lean heavily on veteran Tim Cahill for the few goals they have scored in recent times.
But Burns, Robbie Kruse and Tomi Juric, who all missed this year’s World Cup for various reasons, provide more options for coach Ange Postecoglou.
Throw in Matthew Leckie and James Troisi and Postecoglou has plenty to choose from for a front three that will genuinely threaten other Asian Cup nations.
In a tournament which requires six games in 22 days to win it, it’s the goals of the likes of Kruse, Burns and Juric that could be crucial to whether Australia lifts the trophy.
The dynamic Burns is the feel-good story of the squad, playing his way into a late recall from a long way out with scintillating form as the A-League season’s top scorer.
Back after a four-year absence, he’s excited by the scoring potential in the squad.
“There’s goals in this team and the style of football Ange has been playing, I’m sure they’ll come, it’s just a matter of time,” said Burns on Tuesday.
“They’ve had some really tough opponents over the last couple of years so they haven’t got easy goals.
“But I’m sure in this tournament you’ll see a few goals.”
Burns played his last game for the Socceroos way back at the 2011 Asian Cup but said on Tuesday he never gave up on returning, especially under Postecoglou’s new selection policy.
“Ange has given a lot of players some great opportunites on form so I knew that if I kept going hopefully I’d get that opportunity,” he said.
“I knew if I kept plugging away and kept playing good football, there’s always that window.”
He was heartened by recent comments from Cahill praising his season.
“Timmy’s one of the biggest players in Australia football, to hear those comments was pretty good,” he said.
“To play with him will be fantastic… there’s a lot of talent here and I think if we can get together and click, then they’re be some really good attacking football.”
Kruse was happy to give another endorsement to the comeback kid.
The German-based Socceroo said Juric and Burns were great additions.
“Obviously he (Burns) is in wonderful form. I grew up with him coming through the junior ranks and he’s a wonderful player,” he said.
“I haven’t seen too much of Tomi but from all reports he’s a wonderful talent and a wonderful footballer.
“We have so many players in the attacking half now and it really puts pressure on the people who are starting.”
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