Playing only his third international, Nabbout netted Australia's second goal in Friday's 4-0 victory over Czechia in St Polten, Austria.

The 25-year-old striker, who left Newcastle for Urawa Red Diamonds in early March, hadn't scored since his final game for the Jets on March 3. 

Van Marwijk's decision to start Nabbout up front instead of Jamie Maclaren, Tim Cahill or Tomi Juric, who is battling a knee injury, was vindicated by the goal.

The Dutchman was full of praise for Nabbout, labelling him "fast" and "extremely strong", claiming the goal was exactly what he needed to believe he belongs at the international level.

"It's good for individual players, for example, Nabbout who scored a goal," van Marwijk said.

"I nominated him after I saw him playing in Australia. I have an idea about him.

"Now you see the goal, his movements, he's fast and strong.

"He's extremely strong but he's also a guy who needs a goal.

"I think it was very important for him."

Nabbout's emergences comes three years after he was released by Melbourne Victory and unable to find an A-League club.

The Brunswick City product ended up playing in Malaysia before returning to the A-League with the Jets in 2016 where he found his best form.

In this context, Nabbout's maiden international goal was a long time in the making.

"It's very special," Nabbout said.

"A huge very proud moment for me. It's a proud moment just to put on that jersey but to score a goal as well and help us to a win is huge.

"I've dreamed about it since I was a kid and worked hard towards that.

"I haven't scored a goal in a while so it was nice to get back on the scoresheet."

Nabbout added that the win reinforced everything the Socceroos have been working on in their training camp in Turkey and provided a big confidence boost.

"It's a big confidence booster for us," Nabbout said.

"The first win under the new coach. We played exactly the way he's been telling us ot play in the training camp.

"It was a good solid hit-out. We worked hard and got them on the counter a couple of times so it was nice."