Bristol Pitbulls' Australian import Adrian Esposito had more to cheer than most on New Year's Eve.

The club's leading goalscorer was told that he has been called up to represent Australia in April.

Esposito, who has scored 22 goals this season, will leave Bristol at the end of the Pitbulls' regular season to join up with his national team to attend a training camp in Mexico City.

Espostio and his Australia team- mates will be in Division Two of the World Championships and will start their campaign against Spain.

Pitbulls player-coach Richie Hargreaves said: "When I signed Adi in the summer he told me that he wanted to continue to improve his game on the ice so he could improve his chances of staying in his national team.

"It is every player's dream to represent your country and go to events such as this.

"He has done nothing but impress since he arrived and has been one of the main reasons behind our success.

"We are happy as a club to have played a part of helping Adi continue his growth as a player here in Bristol and wish him all the best for this coming April."

Australia will face Spain, Belgium, Turkey, Bulgaria and hosts Mexico in the tournament.

Esposito said: "We have a young and fast team ready to win another championship.

"Belgium and Spain will be the teams to beat, but I'm confident with our team we have another chance to move up to Division One again."