While speculation continues over the respective futures of teammates David Carney and Mark Milligan, McFlynn has every confidence that a strong squad unit is in place under Branko Culina.

And while the above duo might see playing abroad as a way to cement their respective international ambitions, McFlynn’s own prospects have only been enhanced by switching down under.

The Northern Ireland-born midfielder has served his country from under 14 through to under 23 level but he admits there was a time one cold and windy night when he wondered whether football was all really worth it.

While McFlynn has tasted Asian Champions League football with Sydney, it isn’t so long ago that he was performing before one man and his dog for an English non-league team’s reserve side.

Strictly speaking, Morecambe FC is now a member of the Football League, about to start its first season in League Two, but that wasn’t the case during McFlynn’s two-year spell there.

He said: “Not that long before I came out to trial with Sydney, I was playing for Morecambe’s reserves in a match at Marine (a non league club near Liverpool). The only people watching the game were the substitutes and the kit man.

“It was dark, cold and wet and you start to wonder whether it’s all worth it?”

Thankfully for Sydney FC fans, the player’s Australian wife had expressed a wish to return home so McFlynn set about writing to each A-League club asking for a trial.

He said: “Sydney was the only one to reply, I came out here, thankfully it went well and here I am. They’ve shown faith in me and you try and repay that faith.”

And it is a desire never to darken the English non-league reserve scene again that drives the 26 year-old on to ever-greater efforts.

He said: “It’s hard work that gets you to this point and you always have to remember that. And if you want to keep it then you have to continue to work hard.

“But it’s great to see Morecambe in the Football League. I phoned the boys before the play-off final which got them there and I hope they have a really good season.”

As for the future, McFlynn is confident that whatever the final roster is when the A-League campaign kicks off, Sydney FC will be competitive.

He said: “We have quality players here, most of whom have represented their country at some level. No team is just one player.”

And McFlynn has nothing but praise for his club in its approach to further squad strengthening.

He said: “I think it’s testament to Branko Culina that he is looking for the right marquee player to bring in, not just a ‘name’ if you like.”

One name that does interest McFlynn is a certain Nigel Worthington. The former Norwich City manager is Lawrie Sanchez’s replacement as the Northern Ireland boss.

McFlynn said: “Of course I would love to represent my country at full level. I have captained Northen Ireland from under 14 through to under 23. The only cap missing as captain is a full international one.”

That could yet change but for now, it is domestic matters that McFlynn is focused on.

He said: “There’s a few injuries and that’s disappointing but hopefully they will clear up and everyone’s then ready to work hard to earn their place.”