Ken Ilsø admits scoring his first goals for Adelaide United was important for his confidence moving forward.
The Danish attacker was entrusted to the lead the line against Wellington Phoenix by Marco Kurz for the first time this season.
And the move paid dividends as he netted a second-half brace to complete a 3-1 comeback win.
His first arrived via a terrific header off Michael Marrone’s cross, before bundling in a squared ball from Ryan Kitto.
Ilsø said while he was pleased to find the back-of-the-net, the own goal just before the break was crucial in changing the momentum.
“For an offensive player like me it’s always important to get on the scoresheet,” Ilsø told reporters at the Adelaide United Training Centre.
“I think in the game itself the most important (goal) was actually the own goal, just before half-time.
“It got us to half-time with a good feeling and in the second-half the grass became a little bit more wet and we had a little bit more flow in our game and it was a little bit of a faster game.”
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The Dane, capable of playing in a number of advanced positions, said he had no real preference of where he would like to be deployed on the pitch.
“I prefer both positions, ten (attacking midfield) and nine (striker),” he revealed.
“I’ve been playing a lot as a number nine in the recent years but I don’t really care as long as I’m playing.
“But for me it was nice to start the game, but Marco (Kurz) also knows he has a big squad and a lot of different players who can play in a lot of different positions.
“So from that perspective I think it’s important that he keeps everybody up to date and give everyone a good feeling in the team.”
The 31-year-old moved to the Reds back in July and said the transition to Adelaide has been seamless.
He added that the camaraderie in the dressing room has also helped.
“I’m feeling very comfortable,” he continued.
“We’ve a very good team, a lot of good banter in the team.
“A lot of fun, a lot laughs so they’ve taken very good care of me from the beginning and I feel good in the team.”
Adelaide United host Brisbane Roar in Round 6 of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season on Friday, 30 November at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.20pm ACDT. Gates open 6.20pm.
