'I want to be first choice all the time': Nabbout

Andrew Nabbout has one target in mind for the Caltex Socceroos: remain at the forefront of Graham Arnold’s first-team plans.

Nabbout has returned to hometown Hyundai A-League club Melbourne Victory after 16 months on the books of J-League giants Urawa Red Diamonds.

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It is there in the Victorian capital where the 26-year-old hopes to continue the rapid rise that has seen him soar into the national team.

But the forward – Australia’s number nine for two FIFA World Cup matches in 2018 – knows he must perform in the Hyundai A-League to maintain his presence in Arnold’s ranks.

"I just want to consolidate my spot," he said. "I want to cement my position in the Socceroos, I don’t want to be a player that’s in and out.

"I want to be first choice all the time, and that’s going to be down to my performance this year."

Nabbout has hit the ground running already, scoring two goals in Victory’s 3-2 FFA Cup 2019 loss to Newcastle Jets on Wednesday evening.

Nabbout
Nabbout and Caltex Socceroos teammate Jamie Maclaren at Thursday's press conference at The Harbour Esplanade