Bristol City's latest academy graduate is desperate to take his chance in English football and then play at international level for one of the three countries he is qualified for.

Rob Stambolziev, a skilful left-winger or striker, is Australian by birth but can also play for Macedonia and Greece.

Stambolziev was one of four teenagers handed a first professional contract by Bristol City manager Gary Johnson last month.

The 18-year-old netted seven times in 23 appearances for the academy side last term and also had 15 outings for the reserves.

He scored twice in the FA Youth Cup against Leeds to set up a quarter-final with Manchester City, which the Robins lost 4-2.

"I was lucky enough to be given an opportunity by the club," said Stambloziev, who was spotted when an Australian Under-15 side travelled to England for a tour and played a City youth team at Abbots Leigh.

"Bristol City took a gamble because they saw me at 14, missed the next two years of my development, but still offered me a two-year academy scholarship at 16."

Being on the other side of the world to his parents has been hard for Stambolziev.

"I have missed Australia, having left at an early age, but I am lucky to have my brother living in London, who I can go and see from time to time," he said.

"I get back home once a year, but I realise this is a big opportunity for me in England and I am desperate to take it."

Stambolziev was born and bred in Melbourne and is currently featuring for Australia Under-20s on a tour of Europe.

However, turning out at youth level does not commit a player to a particular country for the rest of his career.

"My mother and father are both from Macedonia, but they met in Australia, where I was born," he said. "I actually have a Greek passport, so there are several countries I can play for internationally."

If he makes his debut for the City first team next season he will follow in the footsteps of fellow Antipodeans who have played at Ashton Gate, such as Paul Agostino, David Seal and Luke Wilkshire.

Agostino scored 19 goals in 84 games for City between 1995 and 1997 before heading for German side 1860 Munich.

Now 33, he has just retired after finishing his career with Adelaide United.

Fellow striker Seal scored 10 times in 51 matches before and after Agostino was with the Robins.

After a brief return Down Under, Seal settled in Bristol, playing for Mangotsfield, Yate and Bitton. He was still playing, with Melksham Town, last season.

Midfielder Wilkshire scored 17 in 110 for City between 2003 and 2006 before joining Dutch side FC Twente and then Dynamo Moscow this summer.

● City will hold their annual open day at Ashton Gate on Sunday, July 19 (10am-2pm) when admission will be free.