IN his own words, Bobby Burns has been having "a good craic" since he touched down at the Newcastle Jets.
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And the lively Northern Ireland left back wants the good times to continue with a win against Adelaide United at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday.
The match is the Jets' first at home this season and a chance for Burns to tick another box.
The 20-year-old, who is on loan from Scottish club Hearts, performed strongly off the bench in the second half as the Jets began their campaign with a 1-all draw against the Central Coast Mariners in Gosford last round.
Johnny Koutroumbis has rarely put a foot wrong in the past two seasons, but has competition from Burns for a starting berth against Adelaide.
"It's good that the season has started, it's exciting," said Burns, who made 13 appearances in the Scottish Premier League last season. "It was a solid enough point against the Mariners. We did OK. It is always nervous making your debut. I'm confident in my own ability, but you want to try and make a good first impression.
"The football is quite different to Scotland. The ball is on the ground a bit more. First half was nip and tuck, but second half we got control of the game. It was unfortunate we couldn't get a win.
"Once you get the first game away, you get a bit more settled. The fans and players are staring to learn my game as much as I am learning theres."
On the fringes of the Northern Ireland senior squad, the easy option would have been for Burns to stay in Scotland and wait for an opportunity at Hearts.
Although having only been here six weeks, he has no doubts that he made the right move.
"Coming out a few weeks before the season gave me the chance to integrate into the group and understand what the gaffer and the coaches want from me," he said. "I have been able to adapt and change different parts of my game. Sometimes when you go straight into games it can be difficult to learn on the job. I'm learning all the time, but I'm enjoying it."
Off the field, Burns, who turned 20 a fortnight ago, has also settled well.
"I haven't missed home," he said. "The boys have been great and I love the active lifestyle here. I was playing golf the other day and saw some kangaroos. With the weather, the boys are always keen to do things. In the UK the weather is miserable, everyone just wants to get home and watch TV. Here, it is quite a close-knit team. It's good craic."
Adelaide, who played Melbourne City in the FFA Cup final at Coopers Stadium on Wednesday night, boast lightning quick wingers Ben Halloran and Nikola Mileusnic.
"I watched Adelaide quite a bit," Burns said. "Their wide players are quick. That is what I am used to.
"One thing I have noticed here, the wingers are more flair players. They like to come inside and play one-twos. "Adelaide wingers are more like those in Scotland - quite quick and direct. If I do play, I like that challenge. I would probably rather someone who likes to take me on and dribble because that is what I am used to. It will be a good battle."
Burns, Dimi Petratos, Jason Hoffman and Lachy Jackson visited Ronald McDonald House at the John Hunter Hospital as part of the club's community program with The Greater Bank.
"The work that Ronald McDonald House does for families in need is significant," Hoffman said. "For us to be a small part of one day is a privilege. If we can make a small difference, it's pleasurable to be able to give something back."
