Marcos Flores says his goal for Newcastle against Western Sydney on Saturday put an end to a nightmare 12 months where he feared for his career.
The Johnny Warren Medallist grabbed the equaliser for the Jets in the 1-1 draw with the Asian champions in only his second start for the club since his arrival from the Central Coast Mariners.
Flores played just 12 times for his former club before rupturing his cruciate ligaments and midway through his recuperation was told by the club he would be surplus to requirements in the 2014/15 season.
It left the Argentine, who had no agent at the time, facing an uncertain future as he was unable to prove his fitness to a new club.
But he was thrown a lifeline by Jets coach Phil Stubbins, who he worked alongside at Adelaide United when he first arrived in Australia in 2010 and said his 26th-minute strike against the Wanderers was a huge moment.
“I was dreaming of that situation to score the goal, and at he first thing I felt was relief,” Flores said.
“There was pressure on us as a playing group, as a team, so I felt relieved to score and help us stay in the battle.”
Flores’ strike was set up by an intelligent run and cross from David Carney, who was selected in an unfamiliar right-wing role and the 29-year-old is confident of building a strong partnership with the former Socceroos winger.
“I don’t have to tell anybody about the quality Carney has,” he said.
“His left foot is something we embrace. It was a beautiful ball and I was happy to get on to the end of it.”
Flores will get the chance to exact revenge upon the Mariners on Sunday when the sides clash at Hunter Stadium, but the playmaker is more concerned with a much-needed win over their local rivals than any personal grudges.
“Life goes on … things happen for a reason, we are building something here and we will get there,” he said.
“We performed OK against the Wanderers and now is the time to shine in our home.”
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