Perth Glory captain Jacob Burns has defended their want-away World Cup hopefuls after last night's humiliation at Melbourne Victory.

Burns, Chris Coyne and Mile Sterjovski are all trying to get moves out of the A-League this month to stay in World Cup contention, but were embarrassed by Melbourne last night.

Burns said the players had little choice than to pursue overseas stints if they were to remain eligible for national selection.

"We've been told by the national coach that that's what it's going to take to be involved in a World Cup. End of story," the Perth skipper said.

Burns said he had not received any strong offers from overseas clubs, and until he did would remain focused on the Glory.

"It's every kid's dream, which I've said about 15 times, to be involved in a World Cup," he said.

"If you've got the head coach saying you can't be on the beach when the season comes to an end, you've got to be playing regular football, there's no question ... if it happens, it happens.

"The club knows, but I'm not thinking about it.

"First and foremost my job here is at Perth to get us into the finals and it will be the job until otherwise."