Newcastle Jets are pleased to announce the signing of Northern Ireland U/21 international, Bobby Burns, on a season-long loan deal.

Burns will join from parent club, Heart of Midlothian, who play in the Scottish Premier League.

The 19-year-old operates primarily as a left-back, although he has also been deployed as a central midfielder.

Burns played 39 games for his first professional club, Glenavon, in the Northern Ireland Premiership, with a loan stint at divisional rivals Knockbreda yielding eight appearances and eight goals.

The youngster then made the switch to Hearts, for whom he played ten matches. A loan stint at fellow SPL club, Livingston FC, saw him play eight times.

He has made five appearances for the Northern Ireland U/21 side and was called up to the senior national team in the most recent international break, sitting on the bench for the match against Luxembourg.

Speaking upon arrival in Newcastle, Burns said he was looking forward to the challenge of the Hyundai A-League.

“I’ve played all of my football in the United Kingdom so far, and to come out to Australia is a fantastic opportunity,” Burns said.

“To have the chance to push for consistent senior football at my age is an exciting one, but I know I’ll have to work hard to earn my spot.

“I have ambitions to kick on from U/21 duties and play in the senior Northern Ireland team, and I believe playing for Newcastle will help me do that.”

Burns will travel with the side to Dubbo this weekend as a part of the #JetsTOUR, thanks to Greater Bank, and will be in line for the pre-season friendly clash with Sydney FC on Saturday.