Sunday Territorian

Nabbout proves the value of effort

- EMMA KEMP

HE didn’t become The Big Nabbout by accident.

Little more than two years ago, when he was let go by Melbourne Victory and then forced out of a politicall­y fickle Malaysian side, Andrew Nabbout never stopped trying to revive his stagnating football career.

When he was thrown a lifeline by Newcastle Jets, he set his sights on playing at the World Cup and quietly worked towards the seemingly lofty goal – until his form became so good there was nothing quiet about it at all.

And when he moved to Japanese giants Urawa Red Diamonds and played at said World Cup, only to dislocate his shoulder in Russia and need a reconstruc­tion, he did twice the rehab work and recovered in half the time to ensure he made it to the Asian Cup.

“People might say, ‘oh, there’s a bit of luck because he was in the right place at the right time’,” Nabbout said.

“But I’ve always had that goal in the back of my mind, and I worked towards it. My mentality didn’t change, nothing wavered … I’ve achieved it.”

Resilience and determinat­ion is in the Socceroos forward’s blood, and a large part of why he’s poised to lead Australia’s attack against Jordan in Al Ain tonight.

It also helps when your dad is the former Mr Lebanon.

Nabbout’s father Milad twice won the national body building title before migrating to Australia.

The 26-year-old jokes he “doesn’t mess with” Milad who, while now in his 50s, is still considerab­ly stronger than most other human beings.

But the gym background has helped his son’s focus on injury prevention and ensuring that, while he stays small enough to maintain his raw speed – one of his strengths – he’s carrying enough bulk for a physical contest.

“He’s very good, he always gives me tips and pointers on how to maintain condition,” Nabbout said.

“There’s certain aspects he would have learned that I may not get in a football environmen­t.”

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