Burns missed a myriad of chances in Wellington's 1-0 loss to Newcastle Jets, a result that despite a spirited performance, all but commits the Nix to the wooden spoon this season.

The 29-year-old returned to Phoenix from an unsuccessful stint with FC Tokyo for a shot at Socceroos selection, but has now played almost 900 minutes without a goal. 

“I question why Nathan Burns, after deciding to come back to the A-League, went to Wellington. I think it was a cop out," Kosmina told Foxsports.

“They’re already going to win the wooden spoon and where’s he going to be next season? He’s done nothing … but he’s got another year at Wellington. Is he even looking to play football beyond that?

Burns has been a divisive figure among Socceroos fans. Three goals in 24 caps is a scant return for the formerly-prodigious winger, who started his career so promisingly at Adelaide United before moving to Greek giants AEK Athens.

A successful spell at Phoenix - notching 13 goals in 24 appearances - punctuated unsuccessful overseas ventures, which seem to have burnt Burns out. 

“It wasn’t a very ambitious move and I know the kid, what talent he has – he’s been a Socceroo, he’s got massive potential but he’s gone from here [high] to there [low] and there has to be other reasons for it," Kosmina said.

"I signed that kid as a teenager as a kid from the AIS at Adelaide United. I’ve heard he had chances to go to other clubs … but Wellington was the easy option because it worked for him last time, so let’s go back and it’s comfortable.

“He looks like a player who is in his comfort zone. You could drop him, but what’s that going to achieve."