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Burns' Glory contract talks on hold

Jacob Burns. Pic: Getty Images

Perth Glory captain Jacob Burns has the drive to continue his distinguished career beyond this season, but says a decision has not yet been made on his playing future.

Burns, who turns 36 next month, has made 111 appearances for Glory since returning to Australia in 2009 after a decade in Europe.

The former Leeds United and Barnsley midfielder is out of contract at the end of this season and said he would not play for any club other than Glory.

But he said all contract talks had been put on hold until the end of the season as Glory look to move off the bottom of the A-League ladder.

"I love this club. I'm not entertaining any of them talks at the minute," Burns said. "I think the club's been through enough.

"I think first and foremost my concentration is on getting results, turning in good performances, leading the boys and getting us as far up the ladder as we can in these next five games.

"That kind of stuff all takes care of itself but I can tell you one thing, I won't be playing anywhere else.

"This is very much my club, a club that I've enjoyed coming back to and putting everything back into the A-League.

"We'll see when that comes, but I'm not thinking about that or dealing with any of that stuff at the minute."

A series of “grenades” have dragged Glory through the mud this season but Burns is confident people will view things differently once the truth comes out.

Not only are Perth last on the table, but they have also been beset by a number of feuds behind the scenes.

Coach Alistair Edwards was sacked mid-season following his highly-publicised rift with a swag of players, while last month’s training bust-up between Burns and teammate Ryan Edwards showed tensions were still high.

“I must say there’s been quite a few hand grenades thrown in there that will be interesting in time when things come out and the truth and a lot of honesty is said,” Burns said.

“A lot of people around the game have voiced their opinion. I don’t know if they’re well-informed opinions.

“But in good time some things may come out that may change people’s ideas of the goings on about the club.”

Glory sit eight points out of the top six with five games to play and could be without three key players when they host finals-bound Melbourne Victory at nib Stadium on Saturday.

Senior squad members William Gallas (groin and hamstring), Michael Thwaite (back) and Shane Smeltz (groin) are all in doubt.

- with AAP