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Burns and Djite miss out on Dong Tam Long


Exciting Adelaide United FC and Olyroo strike pair Nathan Burns and Bruce Djite will miss United’s final AFC Champions League match through suspension. The duo both received their second yellow cards of the AFC Champions League competition in United’s 2-2 draw with Chinese champions Shandong Luneng, ruling them out of next Wednesday’s game against Gach Dong Tam Long An.

The pair has had a hectic playing and travel schedule with United’s ACL campaign and the Olyroos’ Olympic qualifiers so it could be argued that the one match rest could be a blessing in disguise. However Burns says he always prefers to be out on the park, especially with this game being The Reds’ final match of the AFC Champions League and having the extra significance of Carl Veart’s final appearance.

“Regardless of all the travel and training you always want to be out there trying to help the team succeed but unfortunately suspension is part of the game and there’s nothing you can do about it,” Burns said.

“It’s disappointing because it will be a really special night being Carl’s last game and it would have been great to have been out there with him to celebrate what a fantastic player he’s been for the club.”

Burns and Djite both featured in the Olyroos’ win over Iran at Hindmarsh Stadium last Wednesday night, but will not play again for Adelaide United until after the squad begins pre season training in mid June.

Adelaide United coach Aurelio Vidmar is disappointed not to have two of his young guns available, but he praised Burns and Djite’s performances and commitment throughout the AFC Champions League.

“They have had an extremely taxing schedule over the past couple of months but their dedication and determination to the team and the games they have played has been tremendous,” Vidmar said.

Source: Adelaide United