CHRISTIAN Ribeiro believes the 2008/09 campaign could prove to be his breakthrough season at Bristol City.

The former Wanswell Wanderers youth team player is rated highly at Ashton Gate and was on the brink of getting his first team chance last season before illness and injury hurt his chances.

Ribeiro, 18, has signed a new four-year contract with City following speculation about his future, where Premiership side Everton were believed to be keen on taking the right back to Goodison Park.

However, City boss Gary Johnson insisted his young starlet was not for sale and was close to breaking into the first team.

And despite being flattered by the rumours of Everton’s interest, Ribeiro stated he always wanted to stay with the Championship club.

He now has his sights set on Bradley Orr’s place in the side and realising his dream of playing in the Premiership with City.

He said: “I’m very happy it’s all sorted, I wanted to stay and help us win promotion.”

“If I keep playing well and the chance comes around, hopefully the manager will see me and if I fit in I would like to keep my place.

“I want to get my debut over and done with.

“I’m hoping to be cover for right back but I need to talk to the manager to clarify what I am.

“Hopefully I can give good competition, make the other guy play well to stay in the team, and get a few games.”

Ribeiro has played a big part in Bristol City’s pre-season preparations and scored in the 3-3 friendly draw at Weymouth recently.

The Welsh under-21 international revealed that he hopes to enhance his reputation as an attacking full-back by getting a few more goals under his belt during the season.

He said: “I have had quite a few chances in pre-season and I do like to get forward.

“I’m not renowned for it but I hope to get a few more goals. I set a target of five so hopefully that will put me on my way.”

Ribeiro believes City are capable of going one better than last season when they lost the Championship play-off final 1-0 to Hull City and he cannot wait for the season to get underway in two days’ time when they visit Blackpool.

He said: “Everyone here is very ambitious and looking forward to the big kick-off.”

“We’ve got a team that can do really well. It’s a good place to be.”

Can Christian Ribeiro break into the Bristol City first team this season? Have your say below.