Any opening day nervesĀ for theĀ former Melbourne Victory player were duly dealt with when he turned provider for two-goal heroĀ Dani Schahin.

Kruse's deft headed flick-onĀ put Schahin through on goal in the 67th minute and he backed up again soon after with a crossĀ that setĀ upĀ a close range strike on 79 minutes.

It marks a stunning return to the German top-flight for Fortuna after a 15-year absence and a welcome development for Kruse who made a rare appearance in the starting 11 before being substitutedĀ on 83 minutes.

The Aussie struggled for game time last season as Fortuna pushed for promotion from the second division.

Socceroo coach Holger Osieck will be hoping the forward can work the same magic for the national team as it heads into the pointy end of World Cup qualifiers with an away trip to Jordan looming on September 11.