Nathan Burns warns Socceroos about potential downside to Asian Cup campaign Nathan Burns in action for Wellington against Adelaide United's Isaias at Marden Stadium during the FFA Cup round of 32. WELLINGTON Phoenix's attacking gun Nathan Burns has unwittingly issued a warning to European-based Socceroos before the Asian Cup in January. Burns recalls the time when former Socceroos boss Holger Osieck named the former Adelaide United playmaker in the 2011 Asian Cup squad which finished runner up to Japan in Qatar. At the time Burns was winning a regular starting role with AEK Athens after nearly two years of working hard to break into the first XI. But the three weeks he missed with AEK cost him his starting spot while the Greek Super League was in full swing. The Asian Cup is competing directly with most domestic club competitions in Europe and the A-League. "For my international career the Asian Cup was good,"" Burns said. But it did affect me with my club. I worked so hard to get into the team and then after those three weeks at the Asian Cup I had to start all over again. I had to work hard to get my position back. And then they tell us if you don't play for your club you're not in the Socceroos. It's one of those Catch 22 sorts of things. Burns has been flying for Phoenix this season. Although he wasn't named in the Socceroos squad to face Japan in Osaka next week Burns has not written off his chances of impressing coach Ange Postecoglou. "I am hoping (I make the Asian Cup), Ange said that he was going to take A-League players that are in form,"" Burns said. I think that's definitely in the back of my mind but at the same time I have to be good for my club at club football. My focus is not to get too far ahead, stay healthy and to stay fit. Wellington coach Ernie Merrick signed Burns on a two year deal this year. Burns rates Merrick who is the most successful A-League coach of all time after winning titles with Melbourne Victory. "Really good so far he (Merrick) is a good coach,"" Burns said. "He called me up (before I signed) and he had plans of playing attacking football and he said "I would fit in his system." Me coming back, Ernie sold me and it was based around what team am I going to settle into. With his style I was going to adapt a lot easier.