A-League scoring ace Nathan Burns is convinced Socceroos strikers other than Tim Cahill will enjoy their share of goalscoring glory at the Asian Cup.
Australia’s all-time leading scorer, Cahill, weighed in with his seemingly compulsory big occasion goal in the tournament-opening 4-1 win over Kuwait last Friday.
Midfielders Massimo Luongo, Mile Jedinak and James Troisi also got on the scoresheet.
Wellington forward Burns, who leads the A-League scoring stakes, almost goaled twice in a cameo appearance off the bench, hitting the woodwork and having another effort saved.
Cahill, who has now scored 37 goals in 77 internationals, has found the net more times than all the rest of the Australian squad combined.
Of the other three players classified as forwards in the Socceroos tournament media guide, Burns is waiting for his first international goal after eight appearances, Tomi Juric has one from six and Robbie Kruse three from 33.
“I’m sure it (goals) from strikers other than Cahill) will come, there’s plenty of quality players in the team,” Burns said.
“Robbie (Kruse) is known for his scoring. James Troisi from midfield can score plenty of goals and (Mathew) Leckie.
“If we keep creating the opportunities the goals will come.
“It’s not like were not getting many chances on goals.
“The last game we showed some great attacking football, so it’s just a matter of time before the strikers get a lot on goal.”
Asked if he was in career-best form, Burns said “I would say I’m in pretty good form at the moment.
“Obviously I want to continue that. The A-League has given me a good advantage.
“Playing in the same conditions, playing full games, so it’s definitely helped the body.”
Catnap
Guest
Is it me that I see nearly all the countries are far more comfortable on the ball than the socceroos they look as it is not natural to them more like robots? Just asking!!!!
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
I would love to see Juric coming in and making an impact with his physicality on the ball and putting the ball into the back of the net. He is someone that i think we can all be excited to see playing and could be a vital factor in our charge towards Russia 2018.
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
"Cahill, who has now scored 37 goals in 77 internationals, has found the net more times than all the rest of the Australian squad combined." There it is; the benchmark. One can only shake one's head at the gap opening up, between an old stalwart, makeshift Australian Striker, with the new brigade (and still growing). I fear the gap will only continue to grow even larger by the end of this tournament. Timmy Cahill has now earned the title---the greatest Australian footballer ever to wear the green and gold jersey. Sorry Harry, you need to hand over that crown. Hail the new greatest Australian Footballer ever, Saint Timothy....