Now, less than a month after making the move, he looks to have done both.

Since Burns’ return, getting 20 minutes off the bench in a 2-1 loss to Melbourne City, he has not only picked up more time on the paddock but Wellington has upset both Melbourne Victory and the Newcastle Jets as well as drawing with Western Sydney.

Though not yet finding the back of the net himself, he has certainly been dangerous and created chances for his teammates.

The talented striker was given few opportunities to showcase the skills that earned him a Socceroos jersey while spending two-and-a-half years in the J-League, a lack of top flight game time ultimately leading to him being axed from the Australian side.

At the same time a Wellington Phoenix outfit which had benefited from Burns’ 14 goals in 24 games, failed to make the finals after his departure.

When he inked his new two-year deal with the club in December, they were sitting last on the ladder.

But now, following Saturday’s 3-2 upset win over the Jets in which Burns started in the midfield, the Phoenix are now five points away from a play-off position.

Coach Darije Kalezic feels that Burns and fellow new recruit Matija Ljujic have been integral to the Phoenix’s good form.

“In a squad like we are, atmosphere is very important and those two boys are two boys who also think pro-active in the changing room and on the field,” he said.

“They are busy not only with the next step during the game, but they think two steps more forward which helps also other players to make decisions on the field.

“This is also what we want in the future, we want also more players who don’t play re-active football, but players who know exactly what they are going to do.

“Quality players which means also that our Kiwi players and also other players who are on the level of A-League, those quality players can give them the right push in the right direction in terms of development.”