The 18-year-old Tasmanian made his full debut for City just over a month ago when he started in the 1-0 over Central Coast Mariners, playing wide on the right as a winger. Atkinson made a big impression with his pace, enthusiasm and preparedness to run at opponents.

Since then he has been a regular, more often deployed as a full back, as City boss Warren Joyce has tinkered to find the right blend.

Joyce made it clear that he was very impressed with Atkinson from the moment he took over at City in the winter, saying his enthusiasm, commitment, good performances at training and all-around approach to the game gave him every chance of a bright future.

"I thought he took his opportunity well. He's one that caught my eye as soon as I came to the club," Joyce said after Atkinson's debut.

Born in Launceston, Atkinson was part of the youth side of Riverside Olympic before joining the NTC program of the Football Federation Tasmania.

Atkinson joined City's Academy side in 2016 and played with the reserves in the NPL Victoria during the 2016-17 season.Towards the end of the 2016-17 season, Atkinson began training with the Melbourne City first team before making his breakthrough this season.

City have a promising batch of youngsters who are starting to make an impact after being given a chance as suspensions and injuries take their toll and disrupt the coach's initial plans.

Atkinson got his opportunity because of the suspension of regular full back Manny Muscat, and Daniel Arzani, another talented teen, has also impressed in the past two games.

Arzani has always attracted plenty of attention for his goalscoring feats at junior level, but has had scant opportunities with the first team - until this week.

He came off the bench on Saturday night when City were trailing 1-0 to Wellington Phoenix and inspired them to a 2-1 victory, and also played in the 2-0 win over Perth Glory, which has propelled City back up into third position on the table.