Perth Glory captain Jacob Burns might be in the twilight of his career but he has no plans to hang up the boots as he approaches his 100th Hyundai A-League match.
Perth Glory captain Jacob Burns might be in the twilight of his career but he has no plans to hang up the boots as he approaches his 100th Hyundai A-League match.
Burns is in his fifth season at the Glory, having arrived from Romanian top-flight outfit Unirea Urziceni after nine years away from Australia.
And the 35-year-old veteran is still searching for his first A-League trophy after coming agonisingly close in 2012.
Perth were controversially beaten 2-1 in extra-time by a Brisbane Roar, who were awarded a 97th-minute penalty, that still generates great debate among pundits and fans alike.
Burns may be advancing in years but speaking ahead of Saturday's milestone match against reigning champions Central Coast Mariners, the former Leeds United midfielder has no plans to retire as looks to win that illusive piece of silverware.
"I'm still driven because we've gone close and I feel now we're now being consistent in what we're trying to achieve but to be able to lift that trophy would be the most satisfying thing for me," Burns said.
"I'm heavily driven by that still. You get to my age now as a player and the constant question is are you going to keep playing?
"I don't entertain the thought because unless, touch wood, injuries and other things can happen, but if you're passionate about your craft, if your driven heavily by wanting to be successful and the club to be successful, it-s just a number to me."
Those who question Burns' ability to perform in Australia's premier football competition, only have to look at Sydney FC star Alessandro Del Piero, who recently celebrated his 39th birthday.
"At 35, I feel as good as I ever have and some of my idols of the game at the age of 38 are still playing.
"Look at Del Piero still ripping the league apart, look at Gallas coming on the other day, coming on and still looking comfortable. So for me, I'm still very much driven to put some silverware in the cupboard."