A teenage soccer star is on target for a glittering academic career after winning a University place.

Stephen Rishworth, 19, made his debut as a professional footballer this week for Second Division Wrexham - but his next move will be to Balliol College, Oxford, which snapped him up after he impressed them with three grade As in Maths, Physics and Biology.

Now Stephen, who will take a four-year degree in engineering science, is hoping to complete his hat-trick by getting a new girlfriend.

"I'm not dating anyone at the mom- ent," he said, "so it would be great if I met a nice girl at Oxford." His first priority, though, will be his studies. He also hopes to join the University football team.

He said: "I'm really looking forward to going to Oxford. I love my football but I cannot pass up the opportunity to go to college."

Stephen, who has been nicknamed The Professor by his Wrexham team-mates, went to the same North Wales comprehensive school, St Richard Gwyn in Flint, which produced the great striker Ian Rush. The winger, who was thrilled by his Second Division debut despite a 4-0 defeat, said: "I want to learn more and I feel that football might have to take a back seat for a while." He currently earns about £200 a week playing on Wrexham's right wing but knows the potential riches the game could bring. For years he played in the Flintshire Boys' team alongside Liverpool's Michael Owen. He said: "I know there is a lot of money to be made in football if you make it in the Premiership, but this sort of offer only comes along once in a lifetime and I am absolutely astonished I got the chance to go to Oxford."

He has already played for the Welsh under-15s and under-18s and todaymakes his home debut for Wrexham against Macclesfield.

Manager Brian Flynn said: "Steve is a smashing lad and we are all very proud of his academic achievements."

Carol Clark, tutor for admissions at Balliol College, confirmed Stephen had been accepted to study his degree.

She said: "We are delighted he has chosen us and we are sure he will do very well. He is obviously a very talented young man."

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