Burns was a talented left-back and captained Scotland Schoolboys and won Scottish Youth international honours.
He was unable to displace Joe Kirkup as the first-choice left-back and towards the end of the season he lost his place to up and coming youngster Steve Mills.
[citation needed] He moved to Shamrock Rovers in October 1981 making his debut on the 11th at Glenmalure Park.
In total he made 20 appearances which included a League Cup Final loss on New Year's Eve.
In February 1987, he emigrated to Perth, Western Australia where he set up an industrial cleaning business as well as coaching in local football.