NEW Perth Glory coach Kenny Lowe has had a heart-to-heart with captain Jacob Burns over continually getting his name in the referee's book.

Burns will return from his latest suspension when Glory hosts winless Melbourne Heart at nib Stadium on Friday night.

Lowe said the 35-year-old midfielder needed to better focus his passion.

"He spends more time on the sidelines than me. I think I've played more games than him this year," he quipped.

"I've had a chat with Jacob and he knows what I need. He's a competitor. He just needs to stop talking to referees."

Marquee striker Shane Smeltz is likely to return from his ankle injury off the bench, while veteran defender William Gallas will miss his seventh straight game with a calf injury.

Gallas is a chance to return next Friday night against Brisbane Roar.

Three weeks on from the sacking of Alistair Edwards, Lowe said the atmosphere in the Glory camp was good following last Saturday's 1-0 road win against Newcastle Jets.

"The vibe's good amongst the lads. It's been quite competitive," he said.

"People are kicking each other. People are moaning. So generally when that's happening you've got a squad that's really focused."

Lowe remained wary of Harry Kewell's Heart, who have gone 18 matches without a win and will equal the record held by defunct New Zealand Knights if they fail to take three points against Glory.

"There's seven or eight games that they should have won," Lowe said.

"I've never seen so many chances missed and so much bad luck. They'll be a tough team tomorrow.

"They've got a super side and we're going to have the Boy Scouts XI out again so it will be backs to the wall for us, but we'll work our socks off and try and get something out of it."