The fleet-footed front-runner, who has made a promising start to his new life in the J-League with title-chasing FC Tokyo, had to be content with coming off the bench in Australia’s last FIFA World Cup qualifier, the 3-0 win in Tajikistan.
And with the gifted James Troisi back for Friday’s (AEDT) Group B crunch match against second-placed Jordan in Amman, competition for places has just got that much fiercer for the impish Burns, who has scored once in 15 international but offers a wealth of creativity even when he’s not hitting the net.
“With the quality of players the boss has available, it’s never easy," said Burns who got on the scoresheet in September’s 5-0 home win over Bangladesh.
"I have been involved in the last five or six camps and you need to be really consistent and take your chance when it comes.
“The problem for Ange ... something he really has to scratch his head on, is who he is going to play up front because he has so many options at his point.
“He won't want to over-attack in Jordan and needs those solid players like Matt McKay and Mark Milligan to keep that stability in the team.
“But there's definitely lots to play with up front, and it's exciting times for the national team.”
Burns buys into Postecoglou's belief that Australia can not only mix it, they can match it, with just about any team on the global stage.
“We have a coach who thinks we can go to the next level and he is really pushing us … you see it in each and every camp," he added.
“He’s getting good results from the players and were all stepping it up slowly.”
Burns, 26, views his move to the J-league as a tool in helping him maximise his potential with the national team.
"I think it's helping me. It’s a tough to league … maybe harder physically than I thought and it’s a real step up (from his time in the A-League with Wellington Phoenix).
“It’s a matter of adapting fast and it’s been good. Having that experience in Asia previously (with K-League Incheon United has certainly helped).
Last season’s A-League player of the year has scored twice in nine appearances for his new club, for whom he is contracted until the end of next season.
Expectations of him as foreign import are high.
“They are looking for me to score and also create as much as possible … that’s what they expect and I also put those expectations on myself,” he added.
"My body has never felt as good and hopefully I will continue to get stronger over the next couple of years.
"The amount of games in the J-League really helps … I really like the challenge of pushing myself and seeing how far I can go."
FC Tokyo lies third on the ladder with four games left – four points off top spot.
“We could still win the win the thing, and that would massive for the club," said Burns.
