To see the Socceroos training in China...

“It's going to be tough for the boys. They'll need early goals and hope to defend their lead. They'll have to battle it out,” the Adelaide United tyro told au.fourfourtwo.com today.

“I've played China in the 23s twice actually and I find them a very technical team and they can cause us problems. They like to switch play from side to side.

“On their home ground, they are one of the toughest teams in Asia. I think a draw would be a good result.”

Burns' strike partner at the Reds, Bruce Djite, was picked by national coach Pim Verbeek for the China game ahead of Burns. But Djite is now out injured leaving an already lightweight forward line even thinner.

Burns, nevertheless, easily adapted to the Dutchman's coaching style while in camp last week in Singapore. “I was very impressed," he said. "He's similar to Rob Baan, he explained things well and I think the Dutch way is a very good way of coaching.

“Just the way Pim treats players. Everyone's equal and you're pretty much got to impress him and he's not going to take any favourites which is very good.

“He told me to watch what Harry [Kewell] is doing. You can learn a lot from players like him. I was just taking notes in the first half on the runs he was making and stuff off the ball.”

And Kewell still has an enormous impact on Burns and the new generation of Socceroos as the Liverpool winger looks to step up on Wednesday night in the high altitude of Kunming.

“Harry is pretty much the face of football in Australia," he added. "You take a second look when you see him. He's such a big name so for all us young boys to get an opportunity to see him again is pretty much an honour.

“What he's achieved in the game and how he presents himself is so professional so of course all us young boys look up to him. That's what we all want to become.

“Everyone talks about 'the next Harry Kewell' but it's up to us. That's the ultimate.”

To see the Socceroos training in China...