Burns ready to fight for spot

Told by Spanish coach Manolo Jimenez that he has dropped down the pecking order after the arrival of Eidur Gudjohnsen, Burns was poised for a move before the transfer window closed.

Despite interest from both Europe and Australia, the former Adelaide United hitman is determined to prove his worth at a club where he excelled last season.

Burns, last a part of a Socceroos squad at January’s Asian Cup, told The World Game: “I’m staying put and I’ll be working hard to get another opportunity. I’m quite happy with that decision.

“I had some offers to come back to Australia but I feel like I have done all the hard work and just want to continue with that in Europe.

“I showed last year that I can hold my own in the team and the coach knows what I can do. We have a good squad and it’s never easy here to get in the starting line up.

“The coach has told me he likes me as a player but the fact that he’s made some signings means they will start ahead of me.

“He basically said the decision was up to me, whether I left or stayed. He said I had his blessing, either way, and I have decided to stay.

"The ball was in my court and I’m backing myself. It’s a long season and we will see what happens.”

Burns, who has seven Socceroos caps, added: “Regarding the national team, of course I want to be playing regularly with my club because that’s when you are going to get called up.

“Sometimes you have to put your club first and then your chancres for the Socceroos will come. Focus on your club and the national team will take care of itself. Hopefully I will get another call up sooner rather than later.”

The financial crisis in debt-riddled Greece has left many clubs in hardship with AEK no exception as Burns revealed that player wages - while still being paid – have been at times delayed as the club attempts to ride out the storm.

“We as players are flexible with payments,” Burns said. “We understand it’s not easy for anybody here at the moment.

"It’s a huge crisis but football will always continue. The game is massive here and in many ways it’s what keeps the people going.

“Not too much has changed really other than the fact the cub is now very cautious over future signings. Those players already on contract are being looked after.

“AEK is a big club and they have certain requirements they have to fulfil and none of us players are stressed about payments.

"We know the club is doing its best to look after us. We are pretty relaxed about it.”