New Perth Glory skipper Jacob Burns believes the club has the ability to become a force in the A-League - and then Asia.

Burns, who takes over the skipper's armband from Jamie Coyne, said earning a maiden A-League finals berth was the Glory's first aim.

But with a squad now boasting marquee striker Mile Sterjovski, Socceroos defender Chris Coyne, Burns and former Blackburn and Derby County hardman Andy Todd, hopes are high in the Glory camp.

Burns said the club had the potential to establish themselves as a regular participant in the Asian Champions League by finishing in the top two in the A-League.

"You've got to set your goals high and work towards them," Burns said on Wednesday.

"With the A-League joining the ACL it's great exposure for the teams.

"You are playing great teams from all over Asia and to be a top-two team in this country and to go on and do something like Adelaide did (in making the ACL final), it would be fantastic for this club.

"Over the next few years that's what our targets are, to be up there as a top team in the A-League and then push on in the ACL."

Burns, who played with fellow Socceroos Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka during his time at Leeds United, is no stranger to the role of being captain after leading English club Barnsley and Polish outfit Wisla Krakow.

The 31-year-old midfielder said he was "over the moon" when Glory coach Dave Mitchell offered him the captaincy gig.

"I have to be a leader on the pitch, be consistent in my own game and performance, kind of rub off on the rest of the lads and be someone they can depend on," he said.

Burns said he had recovered from a niggling hamstring complaint and would lead out the side in their season opener away to Adelaide United of August 7.

But Todd is facing a race against time to be fit for the clash after injuring his back during a pre-season friendly against North Queensland two weeks ago.

The flu has also grounded several Perth Glory players but Burns insisted the team would have no excuses when the season kicks off.

"It's not the ideal way to be going in but we are fully focused on what we've got to do," he said.

"We've got enough depth and guys to cover roles.

"You've got two or three guys in every position vying for spots, and that's a good headache to have for Mitchell."

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