Burns scored in Saturday’s round two 2-1 away win over Central Coast Mariners in Gosford and his overall form after two rounds has been excellent.

Merrick said Burns was flourishing after returning from playing overseas and a brief stint at A-League rival Newcastle last season.

“He played really well in Greece then he made what I don’t think was a very good move to Korea,” Merrick said.

“Since we've got him back, he’s just full of life and a player that I think could be a really good goalscorer for us.”

Burns and another attacking recruit Mike McGlinchey are already proving goal-scoring hits for the Phoenix.

Burns tormented the Mariners defence with his mobility while McGlinchey made a quick and triumphant return to the club which only released him last month.

The New Zealand international scored with a header after getting to the ball first following a Jeremy Brockie penalty miss and was involved in the build up to Burns's match-winner.

It was McGlinchey’s second goal in as many games for the club after he created more chances than any other A-League player in round one.

Burns also backed up impressively from an eye-catching first performance in Phoenix colours, in which he embarked on more dribbles than any other A-League player in the opening round.

“They [Burns and McGlinchey] are going to be key to our success this year,” Phoenix captain Andrew Durante said.

“They are fantastic players, they are game winners, individually they can win a match for you.

“Mikey has scored two from two [games] now. Burnsy has got on the scoresheet which will do his confidence the world of good.”

Durante and Merrick praised young left back Tom Doyle for bouncing back from scoring an early own goal in Gosford to turn in a strong performance, highlighted by a superb cross that set up the match-winner.